Some modular wall manufacturers’ products include panels without insulation. Avoid use of product that may lead to fumes in case of fire, cost and easier use of wall interior for utilities or electrical wiring.
Aluminum honeycomb: cell size, grade of aluminum, depth of the material, and thickness of the cell wall are all variable that can vary based on different application and requirements
Advantages:
- High fire resistance
- Very well accepted by FM
- Low weight/high strength
- Mechanical stability
Negatives:
- Higher cost
- Low thermal and noise insulation
Styrofoam is a trademarked name for a specific form of insulation manufactured by The Dow Chemical Company; "styrofoam" is not synonymous with "polystyrene;" polystyrene is a vinyl polymer
Advantages:
- Very good insulation performances (noise and heat)
- No problem if exposed to installer during cutting for modifications on site
- Very good mechanical stability
- Competitive price
Negatives:
- Fire resistance not as good as other insulating material
- FM requires stricter anti fire measures if polystyrene is used.
- Due to fire resistance codes, it requires enclosing structure
Rockwool: a mass of fine intertwined fibers with a typical diameter of 6 to 10 micrometers; mineral wool may contain a binder and an oil to reduce dustingand making it water repellent (hydrophobic)
Advantages:
- Good insulation performances (noise and heat)
- Good fire resistance performance; well accepted by FM
Negatives:
- Poor mechanical stability performance; it normally requires enclosing and supporting structure
- Light precaution must be taken if operators are exposed to rock wool fibers
Polyurethane: a polymer consisting of a chain of organic units joined by urethane,used for this purpose as rigid foam
Advantages:
- Good insulation performances (noise and heat)
- No problem if exposed to installer during cutting for modifications on site
- Very good mechanical stability
- Competitive price
Negatives:
- Fire resistance not as good as other insulating
- FM may require stricter anti fire measures if polyurethane is used
- Due to fire resistance codes, it requires enclosing structure