1.10 Insulated core panels
Many buildings have insulated core panels as
exterior cladding or for internal structures and
partitions. The food industry, in particular, uses
insulated core panels because they are easy to
clean and facilitate consistent temperature control
within the premises. The simple construction of
these panels enables alterations and for
additional internal partitions to be erected with
minimum disruption to business.
They normally consist of a central insulated
core, sandwiched between an inner and outer
metal skin (see Figure 17). There is no air gap.
The external surface is then normally coated
with a PVC covering to improve weather
resistance or the aesthetic appeal of the panel.
The central core can be made of various
insulating materials, ranging from virtually noncombustible through to highly combustible.
Differing fire hazards are associated with common
types of insulation, when the panels are subjected
to certain temperatures. Typical examples are:
• Mineral rock/modified phenolic will produce
surface char and little smoke or gaseous
combustion products, at temperatures
above 230°C.
• Polyisocyanurate (PIR)/polyurethane (PUR)
will char and will generate smoke and
gaseous combustion products, at temperatures
above 430°C PIR and 300°C PUR.
• Expanded polystyrene (EPS) will melt and
will generate smoke and gaseous combustion
products, at temperatures above 430°C PIR