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FAQ

• Describe Polyphen^®

  Polyphen^® is a combination of Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) and phenolic foam, combining the best qualities of each medium. The finished product is a rigid foam made from a matrix of Expandable Polystyrene (EPS) and Phenolic resin.

  EPS is renowned for its strong mechanical properties, thermal insulation and its ease of use and ability to be formed. However EPS has a lower fire rating than Phenolic foam. Phenolic foam on the other hand is brittle and difficult to work but its fire resistant properties are exceptional.

• What is Polyphen^®

  Polyphen^® is fire resistant insulation foam. As a sandwich panel with 0.6mm steel sheet it has FM Class 1 (www.fmglobal.com) approval as well as official fire ratings pursuant to Australian Standard 1530.4. Polyphen^® is the first insulation product developed in Australia to be endorsed by Factory Mutual, the largest commercial insurance company in the world (FM approval Standard 4880(1994) for 41kg/m3 density and 47kg/m3 density for panels up to 250 mm thick with a minimum of 0.6 mm thick steel face panels). Using Polyphen^® presents a lower risk of fire damage and potential death, which can translate into lower premiums for the life of the structure to be insured.

• How does Polyphen^® work?

  In a non-fire situation, the EPS and Phenolic matrix provides strength and insulation making it suitable for cool room panels, and cladding for domestic and commercial building cladding (RMAX ThermaPhen™).

  In a scenario where a fire is in close proximity to the Polyphen^® foam the Phenolic part of the matrix does not burn and maintains its shape and structure, even when the EPS melts. The Phenolic structure remains in a honeycomb shape and it is this, which acts as a fire buffer.

• What are its applications?

  Polyphen^® can be used as part of a panel system to provide a two-hour fire rating. It is ideal in the construction of party walls where it slows the spread of fire. Brewing companies have used the technology as fire protection in their wine tank storage farms whilst major engineering and manufacturing companies have used Polyphen^® to protect their manufacturing facilities.

  From an architectural perspective fire rated design now doesn't need to be compromised because of fire rating regulations. Polyphen^® can be installed in sheet or laminated form and can be profile cut to +/- 0.5mm. This opens up design opportunities that have been denied in the past.

  A new licence has just been taken up by BROMYROS of Paraguay.

• Does Polyphen^® have any unique features?

  Yes. The product has been developed in Australia. The product is protected by International Patent in 82 countries worldwide.

  Polyphen^® insulation foam is currently manufactured in Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, Germany and Papua New Guinea with a number of manufacturers from around the world looking to take up licences to produce Polyphen^® in their countries.

• What official testing and ratings does Polyphen^® have?

  Polyphen^® in a steel clad sandwich panel has been assessed by the CSIRO MIT Fire Science and Technology Laboratory and achieves a Group 1 classification which is the highest criteria for fire hazard properties of building materials and assemblies under the Building Code of Australia as tested pursuant to the ISO9705 Room Corner Test.

  The CSIRO report states there was no excessive flame spread or smoke production and the test room did not reach a flashover condition unlike other insulation products.

• What environmental credentials does Polyphen^® have?

  The energy saved over a lifetime of a Polyphen^® insulation panel in reduced heating more than compensates for the raw material used in its construction.

• How does Polyphen^® compare with similar products?

  In reality there is nothing to compare it to. It is truly unique because of its combination of fire rating, strength, weight, cost and ease of application, including manufacturing process, not to mention its light environmental footprint.

  Like all insulation products, Polyphen^® should be protected from direct contact with water.

• At what stage is Polyphen^® at now?

  Polyphen^® fire resistant insulation foam has been commercially available for over six years and has undertaken many tests relating to the building industry.