What is the most important property of a sandwich panel?

1. Thermal Insulation Performance

Core Metric: The lower the thermal conductivity (λ-value), the better the insulation performance.

Polyurethane (PUR/PIR): λ ≤ 0.022 W/m·K (optimal).
Rockwool: λ ≈ 0.035–0.040 W/m·K.
EPS/XPS: λ ≈ 0.030–0.038 W/m·K.

Applications:

Cold storage and logistics: Requires λ ≤ 0.025 W/m·K to minimize energy consumption.
Energy-efficient buildings: High insulation is mandated for LEED-certified projects to reduce carbon footprints.

2. Fire Resistance

Core Standards:

European Standard (EN 13501): Class A (non-combustible, rockwool), Class B (fire-retardant, PUR/B1).
Chinese Standard (GB 8624): B1 (self-extinguishing), A2 (rockwool).

Risk Mitigation:

Commercial buildings (e.g., malls, data centers): Class A fireproofing (rockwool) is mandatory.
Industrial facilities (e.g., chemical plants): Require B1 fire resistance to prevent fire spread.

3. Structural Strength

Key Parameters:

Compressive strength: PIR panels ≥ 150 kPa (supports forklift loads).
Wind resistance: ≥ 1.5 kPa (withstands Category 12 typhoons).

Applications:

High-rack warehouses (15 m+ height): Require embedded reinforcements to prevent deformation.
Coastal areas: Wind resistance ensures structural safety.

4. Waterproof & Moisture Resistance

Core Requirements:

Seam sealing: IP68 rating (EN 13859) prevents water ingress.
Closed-cell rate: PUR ≥ 90% (prevents water absorption and swelling).

Challenges:

High-humidity regions (e.g., Southeast Asia): EPS panels degrade due to moisture; PIR is superior.
Food cold storage: Humidity control relies on panel moisture resistance.

5. Lightweight & Easy Installation

Data Comparison:

EPS panels: 15–20 kg/m² (lightest).
Rock wool panels: 25–30 kg/m² (requires structural reinforcement).

Cost Efficiency:

Lightweight design reduces transport and installation costs by 30%.
Modular systems (e.g., Cam-Lock) shorten construction time by 50%.

6. Eco-Friendliness

Regulatory Drivers:

EU REACH: Restricts VOC emissions (formaldehyde-free adhesives required).
Green certifications (LEED/BREEAM): Require ≥30% recycled content.

Performance Prioritization by Application

Application	Core Performance Priorities	Recommended Core
Cold storage	Thermal insulation (λ ≤0.025) > Moisture resistance > Strength	PUR/PIR
Industrial plants	Fire resistance (B1/A-class) > Wind resistance > Cost	Rockwool/PIR
Commercial buildings	Fire resistance (A-class) > Aesthetics > Lightweight	Rockwool/decorative metal
Temporary housing	Cost > Lightweight > Fast installation	EPS/XPS

Conclusion

The "most critical performance" of sandwich panels depends on the application:

Cold storage/energy-efficient buildings: Thermal insulation is king—choose PUR/PIR.
High-risk industrial zones: Fire safety is non-negotiable—rock wool is irreplaceable.
Cost-sensitive projects: EPS/XPS balances affordability and lightweight design.

Businesses must balance performance, cost, and regulations while aligning with regional trends (e.g., Asia-Pacific’s cold chain expansion driving PUR demand).