The difference between technoplex and penoplex.

Technoplex and penoplex are materials similar in structure and purpose. But each of them is specific. What is it?

What is penoplex?

Penoplex is represented by extruded polystyrene foam cells capable of providing a high level of thermal insulation of premises in the case of using the material as an element of building structures.

A remarkable property of the material under consideration is resistance to water. Penoplex almost does not absorb moisture - and its use will be effective when it comes to structures in the basements of houses that may be exposed to water generated by melting snow or due to water supply leaks.

Penoplex is used in the construction of balcony structures, to supplement the foundations of houses, to be placed between ceilings and attics.

The most important advantages of penoplex:

  • simplicity and efficiency of laying elements made of the appropriate material;
  • lightness;
  • the ability to effectively absorb sound;
  • Stability and long service life.

The structure of the foam is represented by extremely small cells - this is its difference, for example, from foam, in which the corresponding elements are much larger. The process of making polystyrene foam involves processing polystyrene at a very high temperature and pressure. A special additive is added to the heated mass of raw materials, which gives the mixture a foaming effect. After - extrusion is carried out.

What is a technoplex?

The basis of manufacturing technoplex is the same polystyrene that has undergone extrusion processing. However, the release of the corresponding material is complemented by a remarkable production operation - the addition of the smallest particles of graphite to the raw material. The result is a highly efficient insulation material characterized by versatility, relatively low cost and ease of installation.

Technoplex generally has the same advantages as penoplex. It is resistant to water, able to absorb sound effectively, and has a long service life.

Comparison

The main difference between technoplex and penoplex is that graphite is present in the structure of the second material. Its presence predetermines the lower thermal conductivity and lower water absorption of the technoplex.

Both materials are based on polystyrene, which is extruded. Therefore, Penoplex and Technoplex are very similar in structure and cell size. In general, both materials have a common field of application - they are mainly used to provide thermal insulation and sound insulation of premises.

The differences between the materials under consideration can be traced in different aspects.

For example - comparing their strength. Tests carried out by experts show that penoplex with statistical bending is capable of withstanding a load of about 0.4 MPa. In turn, for a technoplex, the corresponding indicator usually does not exceed 0.35 MPa. However, as experts note, much depends on the specific building structure, the specifics of its configuration, and the location of the slabs.

Penoplex and technoplex differ in terms of operating temperature. For the first material, conditions are optimal from minus 50 to 75 degrees. Technoplex is able to maintain its properties at temperatures ranging from minus 70 to 75 degrees. True, the rather rarely noted advantage of the Technoplex can be observed in practice. But if the house is really being built in the North, it is quite possible that the corresponding material will be irreplaceable.

Regarding thermal conductivity - the index of penoplex, as shown by tests, is in the range between 0.029 and 0.03 W / (m * K). In turn, the thermal conductivity of the technoplex is somewhat closer to the lower boundary of the indicated interval. But in practice, the difference between the noted indicators is usually not felt. Therefore, in terms of thermal conductivity, these materials can be considered almost identical - although nominally different, if you follow the measurement results.

The degree of water absorption of foam is about 0.4%. At the Technoplex, the corresponding indicator is noticeably lower - it is equal to about 0.2%. In this case, both materials in practice increase very slightly in size when placed in water. Note that the high frequency of freezing and defrosting cycles does not significantly affect the size of plates made of appropriate materials.

In terms of cost, technoplex is considered a slightly more expensive material. But usually its cost does not exceed the price of penoplex by more than 10%.

Having determined what is the difference between technoplex and penoplex, let us fix the conclusions in the table.

Table

Penoplex Technoplex
What do they have in common?
Both materials are produced from polystyrene - using the extrusion method
Both materials are used in the same area: they are used for making slabs for thermal insulation, sound insulation, sometimes water insulation
Materials are similar in structure, represented by small cells
What is the difference between them?
Has a slightly higher thermal conductivity - about 0.03 W / (m * K)Has a slightly lower thermal conductivity - closer to 0.029 W / (m * K)
Able to operate at temperatures from minus 50 to 75 degreesAble to operate at temperatures from minus 75 to 75 degrees
Has a water absorption rate of about 0.4%Has a water absorption rate of about 0.2%
Can withstand a static bending load of 0, 4 MPaCan withstand a static bending load of the order of 0.35 MPa
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