Rock wool is widely used as an inorganic insulation material in various building exterior wall insulation, industrial equipment insulation, and acoustic engineering due to its stable structure, excellent thermal insulation performance, and high-temperature resistance. For users currently procuring building materials, designing projects, or comparing different options, understanding the characteristics of rock wool is crucial. This article will systematically analyze rock wool from aspects such as material structure, core performance, application scope, and key selection points to help users more scientifically evaluate and choose suitable products.

I. Basic Structural Characteristics of Rock Wool

Rock wool uses natural minerals such as basalt and diabase as its main raw materials. After being melted at high temperatures, it is processed into fibers through a centrifugal drawing process, and then solidified into rock wool boards, rock wool felts, rock wool tubes, etc. Its interior consists of a large number of interlaced, fine, long fibers, forming a porous, loose, and irregular structure. This structure determines the main properties of rock wool, such as thermal insulation, sound absorption, and fire resistance.

II. Core Characteristics of Rock Wool

1. Stable Thermal Insulation Performance

Rock wool typically has a thermal conductivity of around 0.035–0.045 W/(m·K), making it a typical low-thermal-conductivity inorganic material. The static air layer between the fibers effectively reduces the pathways for heat transfer, resulting in excellent energy-saving effects in building exterior walls, roofs, and equipment insulation. Compared to similar inorganic materials, rock wool offers stable insulation performance with slow decay, making it suitable for long-term operating industrial equipment and building systems with high seasonal heating and cooling loads.

2. Non-combustible Material with High Fire Resistance

Rock wool is a Class A non-combustible material. Even at high temperatures, it does not melt or produce flammable gases, making it commonly used in applications requiring high fire resistance, such as steel structure fireproofing, computer room partitions, and evacuation routes. Its melting point typically exceeds 1000℃, providing longer structural protection in the event of a fire.

3. Excellent Sound Absorption and Noise Reduction Capabilities

The porous structure of rock wool gives it excellent sound absorption properties. Sound waves entering the fiber gaps are dissipated through friction and air vibration, thus reducing reflected sound and reverberation. Rock wool is commonly used in acoustic applications such as cinemas, conference rooms, computer rooms, equipment floors, and partition wall systems, making it a highly efficient material that combines thermal insulation and sound absorption.

4. Stable Chemical Properties

Rock wool is an inorganic mineral material that is not prone to aging, does not corrode metals, and is not susceptible to microbial attack. Under normal use conditions, its performance remains relatively stable. Furthermore, rock wool has a certain degree of water-repellent properties, which reduces water absorption and maintains the effective performance of the insulation material.

III. Typical Applications of Rock Wool in Different Fields

1. Building Exterior Wall Insulation Systems

Rock wool exterior wall insulation boards are used for exterior wall insulation, interior wall insulation, and fireproof isolation strips for curtain walls. They combine thermal insulation, fireproofing, and sound insulation functions, making them a common material in green and energy-efficient buildings.

2. Industrial Equipment Insulation

Rock wool boards and felts can be used for insulation and heat preservation of equipment such as boilers, heating pipe networks, large tanks, and reaction devices, reducing energy loss and improving system stability.

3. Acoustic Systems and Partition Wall Structures

Adding rock wool to partition wall fillings reduces sound wave penetration and improves sound insulation; combined with different finishes in ceilings and walls, it can create a professional acoustic environment.

4. Fireproof Barriers and Fire Protection for Steel Structures

The non-combustible nature of rock wool makes it an important fire-sealing material for curtain wall structures. It can also be used for fireproofing steel beams and columns, improving the fire resistance rating of the structure.

IV. Practical Suggestions for Rock Wool Selection

1. Choose Density Based on Application

External Wall Insulation: 80–150 kg/m³

Industrial Insulation: 60–120 kg/m³

Acoustic Insulation: 40–80 kg/m³

2. Review Performance Test Reports

Including thermal conductivity, water repellency, water absorption, compressive strength, and fire performance rating.

3. Pay Attention to Covering Materials

Aluminum foil, fiberglass cloth, and mesh fabric surface layers can enhance strength and moisture resistance, which is beneficial for use in special environments.

4. Consider Construction Methods and Environmental Requirements

Rock wool boards are suitable for flat structure construction; rock wool felt is more flexible and easy to cover curved equipment.

With its multiple advantages such as thermal insulation, fire resistance, and sound absorption, rock wool is an irreplaceable material in building energy conservation and industrial insulation projects.