Pittsburgh Corning earns product honour
Foamglas named product of the month by Masdar
An inorganic insulation material by Pittsburgh Corning has been named ‘product of the month’ in Masdar’s Future Build initiative.
The thermal insulation material, manufactured from more than 50% recycled glass, is a high-compressive-strength insulation, which does not require additional flame retardants and has a 50 year minimum durability period.
Future Build also awarded Foamglas an ‘A1’ rating for sustainability, according to the EN13501-1:2007 and DIN 4102 part one certifications. The product also meets seven Estidama Pearl Rating specifications for non-pollution, energy performance and recycled content.
“To achieve this rating is very difficult and this is the only thermal insulation material to do so,” said Middle East director of sales, Marco Thomas Vincenz.
The material is manufactured without the use of blowing agents or fireproofing chemicals. The insulating bubbles are formed when viscous glass reacts with CO2 to create a foam.
Foamglas has a high enough compressive strength to be used under concrete slabs and is impervious to moisture.
“In the Middle East, vapour pressure comes from the outside, which means insulation can get wet and therefore needs protection. With this product you do not require additional protection for the insulation because of a ‘wave of tightness’ which makes the material quite unique,” Vincenz explained.
The manufacturing process does not require water and uses only renewable energy.