Rock wool is an inorganic insulating material made of artificial mineral fibres (mineral wool) and is made from the fibres of molten natural stones (e.g. dolomite, basalt, diabase), which are bound with synthetic resin and to which small amounts of mineral oil are added. The insulating effect is created by the air pockets between the fibres. Rock wool is resistant to rotting, vermin and fungal infestation, is open to diffusion and easy to process. It loses its good insulating effect when it is soaked through. The production of rock wool is very energy-intensive. In addition, it is only recyclable to a limited extent due to the organic additives. Rock wool is available in the form of dimensionally stable, elastic insulation boards or roll goods, usually in thicknesses of 80 - 240 mm.
However, the fine fibres can lead to irritation of the skin, eyes and lungs if not handled properly. When processing rock wool, precautions must be taken, such as wearing dust masks, suitable clothing and gloves. Precise instructions are given in the instructions for handling mineral wool insulation materials, which have been published by the German Employers' Liability Insurance Association for the Construction Industry.
Source: bauwion
properties
Glass and rock wool have very good sound and thermal insulation properties (λ = 0.032 to 0.045 W/mK) and are resistant to ageing and shape. The thermal conductivity increases sharply with low moisture penetration, which is why mineral fibre insulation materials must be particularly well protected against moisture. They are permeable to water vapor (μ = 1), resistant to pests and do not rot. In the event of a fire, the binder evaporates from approx. 200 °C, so formaldehyde vapours are to be expected. The smoke development, on the other hand, is very low.
Mineral
fibre insulation materials are supplied as mats (rolls or sheets), felts, loose as bulk or as blown wool and darning wool.
Mineral
fibre insulation materials are offered for all areas of application except for walls in contact with the ground and inverted roof insulation and are of great importance as heat, cold, sound and fire protection. Pipes, containers, air conditioning and heating units can also be insulated with it. They are used as impact sound insulation boards, e.g. under floating screeds, and as façade insulation boards as part of a thermal insulation composite system.
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red= Areas of application, grey= not possible
