Polyurethanes are the materials of choice for cold store insulation and for the cladding around cold air pipes. Rigid polyurethane foam is useful in hot climates for space-saving, efficient building insulation.
The specially developed elastomeric polyurethane system Elastocoast is designed for coastal protection. Elastocoast is a polyurethane-rubble combination that bonds stone layers permanently at selected points in the breakwaters of coastal defense systems. The stone layer created is highly stable, extremely resistant and open-pore. Unlike rigid surface constructions made of concrete or bitumen, the rubble layer clamped by Elastocoast absorbs the energy of impact of incoming water masses and prevents stone surfaces from rupturing.
Neopor is an innovation for the insulation of building exteriors, roofs and floors. Inbuilt infrared absorbents and reflectors give Neopor an insulation performance 20 percent higher than that of other insulating materials, in this manner keeping room temperature constant and helping create a pleasant living environment.
Figures calculated by the Passivhaus Institute Darmstadt show that thermal insulation with Neopor significantly reduces the incidence of overheating and the hours of active cooling in warm climatic zones. Depending on the type of dwelling and construction style, Neopor thus cuts cooling energy by at least 30 percent and lowers carbon emissions. The BASF stand will demonstrate Neopor insulating panels and insulating concrete forms (ICFs).
BASF also presents novel wall systems available under the Senergy® brand name. The systems are composed of multiple layers for the insulation and protection of exterior surfaces. These solutions enable buildings to be cooled in an efficient manner, so reducing energy consumption. Senergy systems are also decorative and open up new flexibility in terms of exterior design.
BASF will also be showcasing black pigments for reducing surface heat: Paliogen, Lumogen and Sicopal. Unlike the soot pigments in common use, BASF’s pigments prevent the absorption of the invisible near infrared radiation that accounts for more than 50 percent of incident solar energy. Field tests show that construction materials containing the BASF pigments store only about half as much heat as conventional materials. The pigments have many potential uses in the construction industry, including roof elements, coated exteriors, and plastic window frames. BASF developed an IT program called CoolSim for its customers to ensure optimal surface pigment composition and hence maximize the cooling effect.
BASF offers Micronal PCM latent heat storage materials for a better indoor climate control. Micronal PCM consists of microscopic plastic capsules with a pure wax core. The core liquefies above a predefined room temperature, absorbs excess interior heat by a phase change process, and in this way stops the temperature from rising. If room temperature falls, the wax solidifies and the capsules return their heat to the room air. Integrating Micronal PCM into a building concept without air conditioning reduces peak temperatures.
With Micronal PCM latent heat storers as an integrated component part of a functional building concept, optimised results with regard to passive overheating protection, stabilisation of indoor temperatures and efficient use of surface cooling systems can be achieved. A series of Micronal PCM modified construction materials is already available on the market.
