Enhancing the thermal performance of expanded polystyrene with radiant barrier foil boards for improved building insulation.

The drive for energy-efficient buildings has propelled the development of advanced insulation materials that minimize heat transfer and ensure safety and durability. Expanded Polystyrene (EPS), a widely adopted material in the insulation industry, is valued for its affordability and ease of application. However, high emissivity, moisture susceptibility, and limited fire resistance often compromise its thermal performance. Consequently, this study investigates the potential of enhancing the thermal resistance of EPS by integrating it with a Radiant Barrier Foil Board (RBFB) material, thus forming a composite insulation material. A Series of tests were conducted on the developed composite insulation material, which includes emissivity, water absorption, thermal conductivity, and fire resistance, to assess the performance improvements offered by the enhanced composite material compared to conventional EPS. Results showed that the EPS-RBFB composite demonstrated a 95% reduction in emissivity level from 0.85 to 0.04, and a 22% improvement in thermal conductivity was observed from 0.036 to 0.028 W/m K. Further, a 72% reduction in moisture absorption was recorded, including a significant enhancement in the fire resistance, with ignition delayed by 50%, and self-extinguishing was also observed. These findings suggest that the enhanced EPS-RBFB composite is a superior insulation material, offering enhanced durability and safety for modern construction.