Calcium silicate panels

Calcium silicate panels consist of mineral ingredients such as lime (calcium oxide) and sand (silicon oxide) plus cellulose fibres and water. Water vapour (but also surfactants, aluminium powder, or organic substances) are used to entrain air. During production the panels develop a fine-pored structure.

Calcium silicate panels are vapour permeable, which means they absorb moisture very well and any moisture absorbed can easily escape again. This is why calcium silicate panels are installed without a vapour barrier and are particularly suitable for indoor insulation (e.g. in listed buildings) or for renovating damp masonry.

They are also used for roof insulation, cavity wall insulation and back-ventilated façades.

Calcium silicate panels’ thermal conductivity is relatively high, though, at a rather unfavourable value of approx. λ = 0.065 W/mK. The material is not cheap, either.

Calcium silicate panel (source: Achim Hering 2011)

Calcium silicate panel (source: Achim Hering 2011; http://de.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Datei:Promatect_250_sheets_corner.jpg&filetimestamp=20110616165151 - file)