Use of Recycled Polyester Fiber Insulation: Revolutionizing Thermal and Acoustic Insulation in Sustainable Construction

Within the circular economy, thermal and acoustic insulators produced from recycled polyester fibers represent an innovative and sustainable solution for modern construction.

These materials not only contribute to reducing environmental impact but also offer competitive performance compared to traditional insulators.

In this article, we will explore the production, characteristics, use, comparison with other recycled thermal and acoustic insulators, recyclability, and installation of these materials.

Production of Recycled Polyester Fiber

The production of thermal and acoustic insulators from recycled polyester fibers begins with the collection of PET (polyethylene terephthalate), normally coming from plastic bottles and packaging.

These wastes are cleaned, shredded, and transformed into flakes, then melted and spun into fibers. The recycled polyester fibers are then carded and needled to form insulating panels or rolls.

This recycled fiber process not only reduces the amount of waste in landfills but also reduces energy consumption and CO2 emissions compared to the production of virgin polyester.

Thermal-Acoustic Characteristics

Insulators made from recycled polyester fiber offer excellent thermal-acoustic properties. Thanks to their fibrous structure, these materials have low thermal conductivity, making them effective in limiting heat transfer.

This contributes to improving the energy efficiency of buildings, reducing the need for heating in winter and cooling in summer.

From an acoustic point of view, polyester fibers absorb and disperse sound waves, thus improving acoustic comfort within living spaces.

Use in Construction

Thermal and acoustic insulators made from recycled polyester fiber are used in a wide range of construction applications, from insulating walls, roofs, and floors to insulating HVAC ducts and floors. Their versatility and ease of installation make them suitable for both new constructions and renovation projects.

Comparison with Other Recycled Thermal-Acoustic Insulators

Compared to other recycled thermal-acoustic insulators, such as those in rock wool or fiberglass, insulators made from recycled polyester fibers offer significant advantages in terms of sustainability and health.

They are free of harmful chemical binders, do not irritate the skin or respiratory tract during installation, and are fully recyclable at the end of their life.

However, it is important to consider that each material has its specific properties and optimal applications, and the choice should be based on a comprehensive evaluation of insulation needs, the context of use, and sustainability objectives.

Recyclability

One of the most relevant aspects of insulators made from recycled polyester fiber is their recyclability. At the end of their life, they can be easily collected and reintroduced into the production cycle to create new products, further reducing the ecological footprint of construction.

This closed cycle is essential for promoting a circular economy in the construction sector.

Installation

The installation of thermal and acoustic insulators made from recycled polyester fibers is relatively simple and does not require special equipment.

Materials can be cut to size and adapted to the spaces to be insulated. It is important to follow best practices to ensure the effectiveness of the insulation, such as proper sealing of joints and avoidance of thermal bridges.

Thermal and acoustic insulators made from recycled polyester fibers are available in various formats on the market, thus adapting to different application needs in construction.

These materials combine sustainability with high insulation performance, making them a popular choice for construction and renovation projects aimed at energy efficiency and living comfort. Below, we explore the available formats and typical insulation values associated with these products.

Available Formats

Rigid or Semi-rigid Panels: These are among the most common formats and are used for insulating walls, roofs, floors, and ceilings. They offer good compressive strength and are easy to install, cut, and adapt to different building structures.

Rolls: Flexible and easy to deploy, rolls are ideal for insulating large surfaces, such as pitched roofs and attics. They can be easily cut to fit irregular spaces, offering quick and efficient installation.

Skirting Boards: Specifically designed for the acoustic insulation of internal partition walls and floors, these formats offer excellent reduction of sound transfer between living units or rooms.

Flakes: Used for blown insulation, flakes are particularly suitable for filling irregular cavities or hard-to-reach spaces, such as the spaces between roof trusses.

Acoustic Mats: Specialized for sound insulation, these products are often used in recording studios, home theaters, and other applications where sound control is critical.

Thermal and Acoustic Insulation Values

The insulation values of thermal-acoustic insulators made from recycled polyester fibers vary depending on the thickness and density of the material. Here are some typical values:

Thermal Conductivity (λ): The thermal conductivity of these materials commonly ranges around 0.038 - 0.040 W/(m·K), indicating a good ability to limit heat flow through the insulator.

Thermal Resistance (R): Thermal resistance, expressed in m²K/W, depends on the thickness of the insulating material. For example, a 100 mm thick panel with a thermal conductivity of 0.038 W/(m·K) will have a thermal resistance of about 2.63 m²K/W, offering a good level of thermal insulation.

Sound Absorption Coefficient (α): This value varies depending on the sound frequency, but recycled polyester insulators can achieve sound absorption coefficients higher than 0.8 (on a scale from 0 to 1) in specific frequency bands, indicating a high capacity for sound absorption.

Sound Reduction Index (Rw): Insulators in polyester fibers can have Rw indices that vary significantly, with values that can exceed 50 dB for optimal configurations, indicating an excellent ability to reduce the transfer of sound through insulated structures.

Conclusion

Thermal-acoustic insulators made from recycled polyester fibers offer a combination of versatility, performance, and sustainability, making them suitable for a wide range of applications in modern construction.

The availability in different formats ensures that they can be used in various construction contexts, while their insulation values make them an effective choice for improving energy efficiency and living comfort.

The choice of the appropriate format and thickness will depend on the specific needs of the project and the desired insulation goals.