Questions You Should Know about Glass Fiber Polymerized Phenolic Insulation Board

21 Apr.,2025

 

Everything you need to know about Phenolic Insulation

Everything you need to know about Phenolic Insulation

What is Phenolic insulation?

Phenolic insulation is manufactured by a process in which a plastic foam forms an insulating core between two flexible tissue faced layers. It has a high closed cell content and fine cell structure. Rigid phenolic insulation is produced by mixing high solids and phenolic resin with a surface acting agent.

If you want to learn more, please visit our website Langfang Clear Chemical.

Is Phenolic insulation combustible?

The first indicative test looked at the behaviour of 25mm Xtratherm Safe-R SR Phenolic PIR, a phenolic, fibre-free rigid thermoset material, recognised as "combustible". The second test looked at the behaviour of a rock mineral fibre insulation with a density of 40kg/m3 + 100kg/m3, recognised as "non-combustible".

What is the difference between PIR and Phenolic insulation?

As with the PIR/PUR boards above, phenolic insulation boards also have a closed cell structure. Phenolic board has a slightly higher r-value (higher is better, unlike u-values) and a slightly thinner profile than PIR/PUR boards due to the manufacturing process.

How is phenolic made?

Phenolic sheet is a hard, dense material made by applying heat and pressure to layers of paper or glass cloth impregnated with synthetic resin. ... When heat and pressure are applied to the layers, a chemical reaction (polymerization) transforms the layers into a high-pressure thermosetting industrial laminated plastic.

What is Xtratherm Safe-R | Superior Performance Phenolic Insulation made of?

Xtratherm Safe-R is a superior performance phenolic insulation with a Euroclass B classification. It is faced with low emissivity foil facings on both sides and has a Lambda value as Low as 0.020 W/mK.

Partial Fill Cavity Wall SR/CW

Safe-R SR/CW Partial Fill cavity insulation for traditional masonry walls, achieves excellent U-Values whilst maintaining a residual cavity, offering protection from wind driven rain.

Product Features
Superior Performance Phenolic Insulation
Euroclass B -s1 d0 Fire Classification
Lower Lambda Values for improved U-Values
For New Build or Refurbishment
Fast Response Heating
BRE Green Guide A+ Rated

Key Facts

FIRE PERFORMANCE The fire performance of phenolic foam is exceptional. It combines zero or very low flame spread with negligible smoke emission and a very low level of toxic gas emission

ENVIRONMENT Phenolic foam has very low embodied energy per unit thermal performance compared to other insulation materials • Significant CO2 savings can be achieved compared to other insulation materials

MOISTURE RESISTANCE Phenolic foam has been used successfully in insulation systems where moisture resistance is a key issue. The reasons for this excellent performance are: • Phenolic foam has a low water vapour permeance and is therefore highly resistant to the passage of water vapour • Phenolic foam has low water absorption which takes place predominantly in the cut/broken surface cells of the foam

STRUCTURAL STRENGTH Phenolic foams have an excellent strength/density relationship being lightweight but strong. Higher density phenolic foams are typically used for: • Pipe supports • Duct supports • Steel faced composite panels (including walk-on ceilings

THERMAL PERFORMANCE Phenolic foams offer a range of thermal conductivity performance. The closed cell type offers the lowest thermal conductivity available from any insulation material resulting from: • Closed cell structure • Extremely small cell diameter • Low thermal conductivity gas permanently encapsulated in cells.

Conclusion

Phenolic foam is used in many building applications, typically continuously laminated phenolic board is used in roofing, cavity board, external wall board, plasterboard dry lining systems, wall insulation, floor insulation and as a sarking board.

The superior fire performance of phenolic foam is being recognised and this is leading to increased market share in these areas. Phenolic foam is used in factory engineered composite panels. These composite panels comprise of a high density structural phenolic foam core with steel facings both sides and an appropriate jointing system. These panels are used in a range of applications including food processing factories, cold stores, semi conductor clean rooms and hospitals. These panels are structurally sound and fit for purpose for use in walk-on ceilings.

Contact us to discuss your requirements of Glass Fiber Polymerized Phenolic Insulation Board. Our experienced sales team can help you identify the options that best suit your needs.

The excellent fire performance provided by the phenolic foam core gives both good insulation and integrity performance in the 3m furnace fire resistance test. Phenolic foam is used in process/petrochemical applications for the insulation of pipework, tanks, vessels etc. Phenolic foam is also used in a number of highly specialised applications including fire doors, highly fire resistant panels and for insulation in surface ships, off-shore installations and submarines.

It is clear that phenolic foam is a very versatile material being suitable for a large range of applications where thermal performance, moisture resistance, fire performance and in certain cases structural strength are key performance criteria. Phenolic foam is the only material that can provide this unique range of benefits.

If you have questions about Phenolic Insulation systems please call us on ! You can also text us back in our live chat.

Please find all datasheets in PDF & BROCHURES section.

Bee with us!! 

The Advantages and Applications of Phenolic Material - Upland Fab

Various types of materials offer advantages for machining and manufacturing applications. Providing favorable characteristics, phenolic materials are engineered to deliver dimensional stability, dielectric strength, and resistance to impact, compression, and tension. Understand the advantages and material properties of phenolic plastics and similar non-phenolic composite materials compatible with manufacturing durable, high-performance components, electrical and insulation applications, and more.

What is Phenolic Plastic?

Phenolic plastics are woven fabric or material layers, such as paper, canvas, fiberglass, or linen, held together with phenolic resin. Created by phenol reacting to formaldehyde under heat and pressure, phenol-formaldehyde resin is the commercial polymer that produces the chemical reaction determining the material properties of phenolic plastics. Water is expelled from the catalyst during the reaction, and the material thermosets into laminated sheets or formed stock shapes, fusing the layers into phenolic material. There are many phenolic-type materials used in machining and manufacturing, including:

  • Paper-reinforced phenolic
  • Canvas and linen phenolics
  • Nylon-reinforced phenolic (N-1)
  • Glass-reinforced phenolic (G-3)
  • Non-phenolic fiber-reinforced composites

Features and Material Properties of Phenolic Plastics

Generally, phenolic materials are non-metallic, insulative, strong, and exhibit good workability for machining. However, depending on the ratio of phenol to formaldehyde, polymerization variation, working temperature, and other potential variables, the molecular weight and crosslinking characteristics are altered, contributing to differences in the material properties of phenolics. Potential features of phenolic plastics with paper, canvas, linen, fiberglass, or nylon bases may include:

  • Thinner material density
  • Increased durability
  • Moisture and humidity resistance
  • Improved impact, tension, and compression resistance
  • High-friction or high-wear capabilities

At Upland Fab, we work with all grades of phenolic, as well as G10-F4 and G11 fiber-reinforced composites. Made from glass-reinforced epoxy resins initially designed to replace phenolics in PCBs glass-reinforced epoxies have unique features for mechanical and electrical applications.

Non-phenolic composites G10-F4 and G11 are extremely high-strength and difficult to machine with increased dimensional stability over temperature. G10-F4 is fire-retardant and is slightly stronger than G11, while G11 is a better insulator that can withstand higher temperatures. These non-phenolic composites are common in manufacturing due to their low moisture absorption and chemical-resistant properties, even at high temperatures.

Applications of Phenolic Plastics and Glass-Epoxy Composites

Phenolic and epoxy-glass materials have excellent properties for various industries, but some formulations have more favorable attributes for specific applications. Still, all phenolic-type materials demonstrate dimensional stability, excellent dielectric strength, and mechanical strength for applications that require close tolerances. Applications that prioritize manufacturing with phenolic plastics include:

  • Countertops and scientific or industrial work surfaces
  • Printed circuit boards (PCBs) and terminal boards
  • High-temperature, high-speed, and high-wear components
  • Structural components
  • Acid-resistant gaskets
  • Electrical insulation and heating/appliance insulation
  • And more

Machining High-Strength Materials for High-Performance Applications at Upland Fab

There are many advantages and applications for phenolic plastics and epoxy-glass composites across industries. With 50 years of experience, Upland Fab can work with tough-to-machine G10-FR4 and G11 for mechanical and electrical applications to deliver high-strength components and assemblies for your applications. Our team of experts will keep communication open and ongoing at every step of production to guarantee your product meets exact specifications.

Contact us with your questions or request a quote to start your project.

The company is the world’s best Aluminum Air Duct Board supplier. We are your one-stop shop for all needs. Our staff are highly-specialized and will help you find the product you need.