Lämpöeristeen

Lämpöeristeen, commonly referred to as thermal insulation, is a material that is used to reduce the transfer of heat. It is crucial in various applications, from building construction to industrial processes and even in everyday objects like clothing and refrigerators. The primary function of thermal insulation is to slow down the rate at which heat moves from a warmer area to a cooler area. This can be achieved through several mechanisms, including conduction, convection, and radiation.

Materials used for thermal insulation typically have low thermal conductivity, meaning they are poor conductors of heat. This is often due to their cellular structure, which traps air or other gases in small pockets. Air is a good insulator because it is a poor conductor of heat. Common insulating materials include fiberglass, mineral wool, foam plastics like polystyrene and polyurethane, and natural materials such as cork and wool. The effectiveness of an insulating material is often measured by its R-value, which represents its resistance to heat flow, or its U-value, which represents its thermal transmittance. Higher R-values and lower U-values indicate better insulation. Proper installation and sealing are also critical for thermal insulation to perform optimally, preventing air leaks that can compromise its effectiveness.