TECHNICAL DATA 
Delta Insulation Systems 
P: +61 07 3271 2170   E: info@deltainsulationsystems.com   W: www.deltainsulationsystems.com.au 
A: 49 Bernoulli Street, Darra Qld. 4076   ABN: 12 122 760 552 
Page 3 of 4 
THERMOSETTING PHENOLIC COMPOSITE - TPC 
 
 
Thermal Properties  
As TPC consists of a coated EPS bead, it retains the 
Thermal properties of the EPS which is the 
exceptional insulating properties from the stabilised 
air trapped within its cellular structure. Since it 
contains no CFCs or any other gas that may leak out, 
it will not harm the ozone layer or decrease its 
insulation properties.  
  
As Australian Standard 1366 Part 3 is a minimum 
conformance standard the thermal resistances quoted 
will be achieved as a minimum in 97.5% of cases in a 
statistical sample, when tested at a mean sample 
temperature of 25°C.  
  
For design purposes the average thermal resistance is 
a better guide than the minimum thermal resistance. 
  
Moisture Resistance  
The EPS bead within the TPC is highly resistant 
resistant to the adverse effects of moisture content.  
At ten times its dry weight, EPS has been found to 
maintain 80% of its R value.  
Australian Standard  
Australian Standard 1366, Part 3 – 1992 
Physical Properties of Rigid Cellular 
Polystyrene – sets out minimum properties for 
six classes (see table 1) and methods for 
determination and compliance. Flexibility in 
production allows EPS to be produced to this 
standard or to other requirements that 
specialized applications may demand.  
Floatation Properties  
The density of TPC is low compared to water, with a 
normal density range of 38 to 42 kg/m3 compared to 
water at 100 kg/m3. The water buoyancy per cubic 
metre of TPC is determined by subtracting its kg/m3 
density from 1000. The result is the weight in 
kilograms that a cubic metre of TPC can support 
when fully submerged in water.  
  
 
 
 
Temperature Cycling  
TPC is able to withstand the effects of temperature 
cycling thereby providing long term performance in low 
temperature applications. 
 
Core specimens of EPS removed from freezer walls in 
place for twenty years have demonstrated no 
deterioration in the structural integrity or physical 
properties.  
  
The K Value of EPS decreases at lower average mean 
temperatures, hence its popularity and success in 
subzero applications.  
  
Toxicity  
Extensive research programs have been conducted 
overseas (i) to determine if thermal decomposition 
products of EPS present a toxicity hazard. The test 
results have revealed that these decomposition 
products are less harmful than those of burning wood.  
 
Gases released during combustion are predominantly 
carbon monoxide and, to a lesser extent, carbon 
dioxide. A CSIRO report (ii)comments that the toxicity of 
the gases associated with the burning of EPS is no 
greater than that associated with timber.  
  
Combustibility  
As with all other organic material the EPS component 
of TPC insulation products must be considered 
combustible and to constitute a fire hazard if improperly 
used or installed.  
  
The material contains a flame retardant additive to 
inhibit accidental ignition from small fire sources. Table 
2 shows test results for EPS and other common 
building materials to provide a good guide as to how 
these products compare.  
(i) H.Hoffmann & H Oettel “Comparative Toxicity of 
Thermal Decomposition Products  
(ii) P.R.Nicholl & K.G. Martin “Toxicity Considerations of 
Combustion Products from Cellular Plastics.” 
 
Table 2 
Comparative testing of some materials to AS 1530, Part 3 – Early Fire Hazard Test 
Material 
Ignitability Index 
(0-20) 
Spread of Flame 
Index 
(0-10) 
Heat Evolved Index 
(0-10) 
Smoke developed 
index 
(0-10) 
EPS  
12 
0 
3 
5 
Australian Softboard  
16 
9 
7 
3 
Oregon  
13 
6 
5 
3 
Bluegum  
11 
0 
3 
2 
         Source: EBS Notes on the Science of Building NSB66 

View this content as a flipbook by clicking here.