Barrier effect of insulation against harmful chemical substances according to the wall surface construction of layered building materials

Abstract

Energy consumption by buildings can be reduced by increasing thermal efficiency by improving insulation. Phenolic foams (PFs) are stable and economical insulation materials with low thermal conductivity. However, chemical-containing building materials can pollute indoor air in residential spaces. Indoor air quality, related to PF construction in interior walls, was investigated using discharge chamber tests and a test bed simulating construction. Concentration changes of harmful chemicals following insulation construction in the test bed and empirical research results can guide legal management standards for indoor air quality in terms of insulation materials and the effective construction of insulation materials. © 2023 Elsevier Ltd