Technical parameters of mineral wool. Mineral wool insulation: types, composition, characteristics What applies to mineral wool

Mineral wool (stone, basalt) consists of randomly oriented fibers, which are made from molten rocks erupted by a volcano. Also, according to GOST 31913-2011, this term should include glass wool (from molten glass) and slag wool (from blast furnace slag). The technical characteristics of mineral wool compare it favorably with most insulation materials. In terms of thermal conductivity, sound insulation, vapor permeability and flammability, it surpasses them. Checking all the listed characteristics during manufacture stone wool produced in accordance with GOST 4640-93.

Today, most companies selling the material offer several forms of release, but the properties of stone wool are slightly different:

Mats (rolls). Intended for roofing pie, walls, interfloor ceilings and other non-load-bearing structures, since they have low density characteristics.
Plates. Basalt-based mineral wool of this type is manufactured with a maximum density of 220 kg/m. cube, which significantly expands the above list of applications. Such material is laid under concrete screed, on roofs that are supposed to be used for parking cars, organizing walking areas and in other places where the insulation must withstand significant weight.
Cylinders. One of the few options that can be used to insulate pipelines is mineral wool - rock wool in the shape of an oblong cylinder with a hole inside does the job perfectly.

Properties

The technical characteristics of mineral wool determine its popularity and wide range of applications. Let's look at the main properties:

1. Thermal conductivity.

This is a quantity that shows how much thermal energy is transferred through a material of unit density at a unit temperature difference. It is measured in W/(m*K) or W/(m*S). Technical description mineral wool indicating the thermal conductivity characteristics is always written on the packaging. GOST 1995-01-01 states that, depending on the thickness of the mineral wool fibers, this indicator can range from 0.041 to 0.045. Due to technological tricks, some manufacturers manage to achieve a coefficient of 0.032 W/(m*S), which raises some doubts.

2. Density.

The amount of mineral wool contained in 1 cubic meter finished product. The density of mineral wool is measured in kg/m3. On average, it is produced with parameters from 20 to 220 kg/m3.

Size 3.

Depending on the scope of purpose, it may fluctuate. Eg:

The slabs are characterized by dimensions from 5 to 20 cm in thickness and 60 x 100 in plane. These indicators make them easy to use, and 60 cm is the most common pitch of the rafter system.
The properties of mineral wool in rolls do not allow it to be used as widely as slabs, so it is characterized by dimensions that allow it to be covered with insulation large areas: from 50 to 150 in thickness, 60-120 cm in width and up to 9 m in length.
Insulation in cylinders is available with a diameter of 2 to 27 cm and a length of 1 m. The thickness of mineral wool is 2-10 cm.

4. Flammability.

This indicator is a source of special pride for the manufacturer. Mineral wool refers to non-flammable types, so it can insulate surfaces with temperatures up to 600-650 degrees. Materials with a foil layer have a flammability class of G1 (low flammability) due to the fact that they reflect an impressive part of the thermal energy back into the room.

5. Sound insulation.

Due to the chaotic structure of the fibers, sound insulation with mineral wool is also performed very often. And large companies like Rockwool have launched a separate line of products designed specifically for sound insulation and dampening various vibrations.

Price

A review of mineral wool insulation would be incomplete without mentioning its price. Let's carry out short review popular manufacturers on the market. Since it is more convenient to calculate the cost in rubles per 1 m3, we will stick to this:

Ursa – rolls and slabs. The first ones cost 1,000, the second - from 1,200 rubles.
Knauf. Relatively expensive, but the price is still lower than Rockwool. You can buy Knauf mineral wool in rolls from 1,300, in slabs – from 1,400 rubles/m3.
Rockwool. One of the most serious brands of basalt wool. The price starts from 1,600, mats cost 2,800, and cylinders - from 380 rubles per m3.
TechnoNIKOL. The cost of TechnoNIKOL mineral wool is at an average level. Plates cost 1,400, rolls – from 1,000, the price of cylinders starts from 50 rubles/m3.
Isover is an inexpensive mineral wool, costs 1,200, in rolls - from 1,000 rubles.

Minvata various brands By appearance practically no different. Natural questions arise: “why pay more?” and “what’s the difference?” It consists primarily in how long ago they were founded, which affects production experience, fame, and reliability of published characteristics. All this leads to a change in the cost of the product. For example, Rockwool and TechnoNIKOL produce cylinders, which indicates the functionality of their products, but Ursa and Izover are 20-30% cheaper with almost the same characteristics.

First of all, focus on the scope of application indicated by the manufacturer, and if it is written that this is Rockwool Facade Butts mineral wool, then you should not use it on the floor or roof (it will lead to premature loss of characteristics).
It is necessary to pay attention to the likely loads carried by the insulated surface. To avoid compaction of the insulator and, accordingly, a decrease in its thermal conductivity coefficient, purchase slabs of increased density.
To insulate the roof, foil insulation is used on the inner layer to reduce the loss of “radiant” heat. For these purposes, as well as thermal insulation chimneys you can choose materials, one side of which is covered with foil.
Pay attention to thermal conductivity, as some companies cheat by trying to provide low values without indicating the temperature at which they are correct. At different thermometer marks, the coefficient value will differ in any insulation.
Manufacturers indicate different period service of the materials they produce. For metal tiles or slate, this is not critical, but for more durable types of roofing, an extra 10 years is a lot.

Articles

Mineral wool is a common insulation material. It is used by everyone construction companies and many owners of private houses who sheathe their homes themselves. But only a few know what it is made of.

Mineral wool - group fibrous materials, produced from metallurgical slag and melted rocks.

This definition refers to four types of cotton wool:

glass fiber, or glass wool;
stone;
basalt;
slag.

The composition of all subgroups is very similar. Their main difference is the size of the fibers from which they are composed. The difference in structure determines specifications material. Each type of mineral wool has its own parameters, which determine the scope of their application. Its purpose is influenced by thermal conductivity, wear resistance, and moisture resistance.

Each manufacturer makes mineral wool using its own technology, therefore its composition and quality characteristics may differ:

The material is based on a variety of rocks. They mainly use metal processing products, which include carbonate rocks and gabbro-basalt compounds. Various additives are also added. The ratio of rocks and additives in mineral wool is 9:1;
Bentonite clay and phenolic resins are used as a binding component;
The almost finished insulation is covered with thin paper. Typically, a combination of aluminum or polyethylene with kraft paper is suitable for this.

Types of mineral wool

There are only four types produced by factories - slag wool, basalt, stone and glass wool. Each group has its own distinctive properties, but basalt and stone have the highest quality parameters. The remaining types are budget material.

Slag wool is similar to glass wool and also has serious disadvantages. The material has residual acidity. It easily interacts with metal and oxidizes it. Also, cotton wool quickly absorbs moisture and is not suitable for insulating rooms, metal and plastic pipes. Slag is prickly and very inconvenient to use.

Glass wool is the most popular insulation. It is elastic and durable. Requires special care during use. Damaged fiberglass is easily inhaled by humans and deposits on the lungs. To work with such cotton wool, you must use protective clothing, goggles, a respirator and gloves.

Rock wool - made from diabase and gabbro. Its properties are similar to slag wool. The material is not scratchy, so it does not cause inconvenience during installation. Stone wool practically does not absorb moisture and is well suited for insulating a room.

Basalt wool - also made from diabase and gabbro. The composition does not include blast furnace slag and other impurities. The material is produced in rolls, which does not in any way affect its structure and quality parameters. The properties of basalt wool are optimal for the use of insulation in many areas. This type Mineral wool is difficult to set on fire. When in contact with fire, its fiber will only melt.

Areas of application of mineral wool insulation

This material of all varieties is used in many industries:

in construction as a building component;
insulation of facades, premises, different types of designs and pipes;
sound insulation of the building (mainly basalt wool).

Has gained particular popularity in use mineral wool board. The material in this release form is easy to cut and convenient to transport. It is ideal for leveling surfaces and hiding wall imperfections.

Main advantages of the product

high fire resistance - non-flammable components of silicate rocks are used for production, which increases the fire resistance of wool. It doesn't burn when high temperatures and does not lose shape. A material with such properties is ideal for lining warehouses with flammable substances;
chemical resistance - cotton wool does not react to chemicals. That's why they line it with it production workshops, laboratories and chemistry classrooms in schools;
resistance to bioorganisms - fungus does not multiply in mineral wool, rodents and insect pests do not live;
minimal shrinkage - cotton wool does not lose its original volume and shape over time;
lack of hygroscopicity - certain types of insulation do not absorb water;
high level of vapor permeability - water vapor does not linger inside the cotton wool and passes through it. The premises are quickly being lost unpleasant odors and the risk of condensation;
excellent sound insulation - a layer of insulation protects the room from external noise;
environmentally friendly product - hypoallergenic and safe for people;
ease of installation - special production technology simplifies the installation of mineral wool. Even a novice builder can handle the insulation process;
long service life - mineral wool will perform its functions and not lose useful properties for 70 years.

Harmful effects of mineral wool on humans

Despite all the advantages and functional features insulation material, mineral wool still has several disadvantages. The main disadvantage is Negative influence on human body subject to non-compliance with safety rules and personal protection during installation of wool.

Mineral insulation is susceptible to temperature changes for a long time. As a result, its structure is destroyed and fine dust is formed. Through all sorts of holes and cracks in the wall it penetrates into living room where people live and breathe this dust.

Of particular danger are artificial fibers, having a size of less than three microns. Such small particles are not excreted from the body through exhalation, but settle in the lungs. Over time, the amount of deposited fibers accumulates and the development of such unpleasant and dangerous diseases as bronchitis, dermatosis, benign tumors and oncology begins.

The composition of binder resins, which includes formaldehyde, can also be harmful to human health. They are often added to mineral wool to improve its quality. In addition to cotton wool, other building materials contain harmful resins that may be present in modern apartment- plywood, chipboard, etc. Therefore, it is not surprising that in one room the level of formaldehyde can exceed the norm several times.

The fact that the main raw material for its production is metallurgical waste also contributes to the disadvantages of mineral wool. At its core, insulation is considered environmentally friendly. But many manufacturers, to reduce the cost of producing cotton wool, use industrial slag with a high content of toxic elements such as mercury, lead, and cadmium.

In order to reliably insulate your home and not risk the health of your household, you should purchase only certified mineral wool and only from trusted and reliable manufacturers who produce their product in accordance with all international sanitary standards and requirements.

Attempts by many residents of houses to improve the comfort of living in winter time motivated the installation of effective heating systems. But a stable temperature in these cases borders on increased energy costs. And the whole house solves two problems at the same time - maintaining a stable temperature and minimizing heating costs. At the same time, a good indicator of sound insulation is also achieved.

Technical characteristics of mineral wool

Mineral wool is known for having one of the most effective thermal conductivity indicators. If we compare it with similar parameters of other insulation materials, then mineral wool is on par in terms of efficiency with polystyrene foam and is significantly superior to many other insulation materials.

The thermal conductivity coefficient of mineral wool for its different options ranges from 0.036-0.042 W/(m*K). This parameter is affected by the density of the insulation
The density of mineral wool is set by the manufacturer depending on its functional purpose and form of release. Standard indicators are 100,150,200 kg/m3. The higher the density, the more effective the material's ability to retain heat
One more important characteristic mineral wool is its ability to resist the influence of biological forms. Possessing convection in sufficient volume, mineral wool is not optimal place for the development of fungal forms and mold
The property of mineral wool regarding hygroscopicity also plays a role in its functionality. Moisture does not accumulate on its fibers and penetrates freely through them. This circumstance gives reason not to worry about the dew point shifting into the thickness of the insulated surface. In addition, the relative hygroscopicity allows the material to be used for constructing ventilated facades

Important! Although mineral wool fibers do not absorb moisture, they are able to retain it in the structure of the material between the fibers. Therefore, it is recommended to use this material only when insulating the outside of a building or inside a wall structure.

Important positive property mineral wool is resistant to high temperatures. The ignition of the material is practically excluded, since the phenol-formaldehyde resins included in its composition do not have a tendency to burn. Even if there is a risk of fire, mineral wool fibers do not catch fire, but only melt slightly, while withstanding temperatures up to 800 degrees
Regarding the heat capacity and ability to retain heat, evidence is given by the fact that mineral wool can withstand temperatures down to -160 degrees without consequences.

However, when insulating any structural surfaces of a building with mineral wool, one must keep in mind that Mineral wool undergoes deformation over time, forming cold bridges. However, such manifestations can be expected after 8-10 years of operation.

Another disadvantage of mineral wool is that its fibers are accessible to rodents. And although they are not interested in the material as food, they can arrange their nests in the thickness of the insulation.

Mineral wool is used to insulate not only private houses, but also apartments, as well as its individual parts. If you live on the first floor and know, then you can insulate it from the outside with mineral wool.

For the internal walls of the balcony, polystyrene foam is often used. Read about which is better (foam or mineral wool). The article provides a detailed comparison of these two materials.

What types of mineral wool are produced today

The production of this insulation is based on the use of mineral components that have identical properties. The structure of each type of mineral wool is a chaotic interweaving of fibers, which contributes to adhesion strength and insulating properties.

The most common types of mineral wool today are:

Stone wool
Glass wool
Slag

Despite the general parameters, these categories of mineral wool have some features.

Glass wool

This category of mineral wool is produced by melting several components:

Sand
Limestone
Dolomite

As a result, a material with a thermal conductivity coefficient of 0.038-0.040 W/m*K is achieved. In this case, the resulting fiber length reaches 0.5 cm, and their thickness is 12 microns.

Glass wool is one of the first materials in this category. It has all the inherent advantages, but has one significant drawback.

Glass wool in the fiber structure contains tiny particles of glass, which very often injure workers during the insulation process, so the main requirement when working with mineral wool is compliance with safety precautions.

Otherwise, this material is suitable for insulating floors, walls, and roofing structures.

Slag

The characteristics of this type of mineral wool are somewhat more modest. The reason for this is its active ingredients. Slag is made from blast furnace waste. The waste slag goes through the same processing steps as in the glass wool production process. In this case, fibers are formed with a length of up to 15-16 mm and a diameter of 5 to 8 microns.

Slag wool components contain high residual acidity, which can react with metal components and cause corrosion
The thermal conductivity of slag wool is slightly higher and is 0.048-7-0.052 W/(m*K). Fire resistance parameters are also less attractive - slag wool can withstand temperatures up to 400 degrees, after which it begins to deform

Stone wool

IN last years this material has become the most popular among analogues. Stone wool is made from basalt rocks. , or rather, its thermal conductivity indicator is the most effective - from 0.032 to 0.038 W/(m*K).

Stone wool has sufficient density, which increases its service life to ten years. It is less susceptible to deformation and does not pose an environmental hazard. Temperature resistance is also high - can withstand up to 900 degrees.

When choosing mineral wool for insulation, you need to take into account the conditions of its operation and location. Insulation in the form of mats will last longer and provide a higher level of heat capacity.

You need to pay attention to the density and thickness of mineral wool. The price of mineral wool is often justified by its technological characteristics, but this is not a decisive factor in the choice of material.

When purchasing, you need to pay more attention to thermal conductivity and vapor barrier indicators.

And then you can confidently stay for many years in a comfortable environment with a stable temperature, no matter the frost outside the windows.

Video about the characteristics of mineral wool

Characteristics of Rockwool stone wool. Advantages of stone wool.

How glass wool is made. The process of manufacturing fiberglass thermal insulation in production is shown.

The comfort and coziness of any home depends not only on the design of the room, but also on high-quality insulation. Slag wool is a type of mineral wool and is widely used to perform structural insulation work. With its help you can create a favorable indoor microclimate and create good temperature winter and summer inside the house. In this article we will talk about the production of slag wool, and also analyze the performance characteristics.

Features of material production

Slag wool is a type of mineral wool, which is widely used as insulation for any type of structure. The raw material for slag wool is blast furnace slag, previously processed into microfibers. Technological process involves the addition of an additional substance - viscous blast furnace slag, containing iron, sulfur and manganese. If the wrong proportions of adding sulfur more than 1% and lime more than 40% are performed, the material will be susceptible to rotting. It is worth noting, a large number of sulfur promotes the formation of rust on the surface of iron elements, which in turn come into contact with the heat insulator. The insulation consists of thin mineral fibers with a diameter of 0.002-0.005 mm and a length of up to 60 mm.

For information! The small balls of slag dust included in the composition indicate the low quality of the material.

The thickness of the slag wool is 50-120 mm, and the thickness of the fiber used is 16-20 mm. Mineral fibers are formed by blowing a stream of fiery liquid slag with a strong jet of steam or compressed air. The slag itself is mixed and enriched with silica. When the fibers are ready, they are pressed and treated with a special binder, and assembled into ready-made sheets of cotton wool.

Technical characteristics of slag wool

The modern construction market has slightly displaced slag wool, as a result of which manufacturers have reduced its production. However, the material has its advantages and positive performance characteristics:

Thermal conductivity - depends on the density of the insulation, the best indicator is achieved when the density of the product is 350-450 kg per 1 m3. Slag wool has the highest thermal conductivity among all types of wool.
Good hygroscopicity, the product absorbs moisture well and does not have a water-repellent effect, the sorption moisture index is 1.9%.
High sound insulation. Ideally copes with isolating any noise, but cannot cope with vibration.
Fire resistance, the material belongs to the class of non-combustible materials, i.e. the material does not burn.
Low sintering temperature. The slag begins to sinter when temperature conditions 300 degrees above zero Celsius, under melting conditions the product begins to lose its properties.
Environmental friendliness of the material. The composition includes phenol-formaldehyde resins, but their concentration level is not high, which makes the material absolutely harmless to human health.
High biological stability does not attract rodents, insects and various microorganisms.

Advantages and disadvantages of the material

Slag wool allows you to perform work on a flat and rounded surface

The main advantages of the product include:

good thermal insulation, with correct installation The structure of the wool slabs will be reliably protected from strong gusts of wind and freezing;
ideally performs the function of sound absorption, slag wool can be used for both external and interior works, its density allows you to reliably protect against noise penetration;
not a high price, slag wool is considered a budget product due to the use of waste from the metallurgical industry in production, average cost products vary from 6-7 dollars per package;
easy installation of the slabs allows even one person to complete the work;
long service life, with correct installation plates, the product can last 50 years.

It is worth noting that slag wool is a specific material, and there is a risk of having an increased percentage of residual acidity of blast furnace slag, and this reduces the practicality of the product.

Disadvantages are slag:

with sudden changes in temperature, the product loses its thermal insulation properties;
due to good absorption of water, the product loses its functions as a heat insulator; water that gets on the fibers forms an acid, which promotes oxidation and corrosion of metal parts;
certain area of use, experts do not recommend placing cotton wool as insulation in places with high degree moisture;
fragility and thorniness of fibers; when working with the product, you should be careful and wear a protective mask; small particles of fibers can get on the mucous membrane and areas of the skin;
not resistant to vibration; with strong shaking, the cotton wool settles and its thermal conductivity increases;

Main criteria when choosing slag wool

When choosing a product, you need to pay attention to the manufacturer, study its reputation and reviews; if the product is purchased from a supplier, inquire about the sales license building material. Recommendations for choosing slag wool:

Experts recommend using German products, the production technology of which produces a high-quality and safe product.
Pay attention to the location of the fibers of the heat insulator, the thickness of the sheet, for example, for brick wall The thickness of the sheet should be 11-12cm, and for reinforced concrete - 14cm.
Consider the density of the product. It is the density that influences the resistance to loads, the retention of shape and the strength of compression resistance. For example, for roof insulation you need to use a density of 75 kg per m3, but for floor insulation, ceiling covering and walls use 125 kg.

Today, slag wool is practically not used to perform thermal insulation works, this material was forced out of the market modern products. However, some experts use slag wool to insulate non-residential or industrial premises.
The video shows the process of producing wool insulation