Properties of thermal insulation materials during extreme environment changes

In this experimental study properties of condense formation, drainage and moisture dependent heat transmittance were studied for three different thermal insulation materials often used in railway carriages; glass wool (from Isover), melamine foam (Basotect) and corrugated sheets of cellulose plastics (Moniflex). The materials are quite different with respect to condense formation and maximal moisture accumulation at similar environmental conditions. They showed also considerable differences in moistures’ influence on thermal transmissivity. The higher the moisture accumulation, the bigger the moistures’ influence on thermal transmissivity at steady state. At a sudden reversion of the temperature field the moisture gave a temporary effect of even higher heat transmission for 1–2 h.