In various fields such as building energy conservation, industrial equipment, and pipeline insulation, the selection of insulation materials directly affects the system's energy efficiency, comfort, and safety. Rock wool, as an inorganic fiber insulation material, is widely used due to its excellent fire resistance and high stability. In contrast, traditional insulation materials (such as glass wool and polyurethane) also occupy an important position in the market. This article will conduct a comprehensive comparative analysis of rock wool and traditional insulation materials in terms of insulation performance, ease of construction, fire safety, durability, and economy.

I. Comparison of Insulation Performance

1. Insulation Performance of Rock Wool

The thermal conductivity of rock wool is typically between 0.035 and 0.045 W/(m·K), which is at a moderate level among conventional insulation materials. Its insulation effect can meet the requirements in most application scenarios, and it is especially suitable for high-temperature environments and places with high fire protection requirements. Rock wool has stable insulation performance and performs well in situations with large temperature variations.

2. Thermal Insulation Performance of Traditional Insulation Materials

Glass Wool: The thermal conductivity of glass wool is generally between 0.030 and 0.040 W/(m·K), similar to rock wool. However, glass wool has a looser structure, its insulation performance decreases rapidly when exposed to moisture, and it is easily broken.

Polyurethane: Polyurethane typically has a lower thermal conductivity, approximately 0.022–0.030 W/(m·K), performing excellently among conventional insulation materials. Its low thermal conductivity allows it to provide higher insulation performance with a thinner thickness, making it suitable for scenarios with high space and energy-saving requirements. From an insulation performance perspective, polyurethane is superior to rock wool in terms of thermal conductivity, while rock wool is more stable in higher temperature environments.

II. Fire Resistance Comparison

1. Fire Resistance of Rock Wool

As an inorganic material, rock wool is non-combustible and can maintain a stable structure in high-temperature environments. Its fire resistance is excellent, effectively preventing the spread of fire and providing continuous insulation at high temperatures. Therefore, rock wool is commonly used for insulation of buildings, pipes, and equipment with strict fire protection requirements.

2. Fire Resistance of Traditional Insulation Materials

Glass wool: Glass wool is also a non-combustible material with excellent fire resistance, widely used in building fire protection and fire-fighting facilities.

Polyurethane: Polyurethane has poor fire resistance and is inherently flammable, usually requiring treatment with flame-retardant additives. Even so, polyurethane may still burn or melt at high temperatures, thus limiting its application in situations with high fire protection requirements.

In summary, rock wool and glass wool have better fire resistance than polyurethane, especially in high-temperature and high-fire-protection scenarios, where rock wool has a significant advantage.

III. Comparison of Construction Ease

1. Construction Characteristics of Rock Wool

Rock wool requires cutting and installation according to the shape of pipes and equipment during construction, making the process relatively cumbersome. Due to its relatively rigid structure, construction workers need to handle it carefully to prevent debris from scattering during cutting or installation.

2. Construction Characteristics of Traditional Insulation Materials

Glass Wool: The construction method for glass wool is similar to that of rock wool, but glass wool is looser, easily generating dust during construction and is easily broken. Care must be taken to protect it during installation.

Polyurethane: Polyurethane is typically constructed using prefabricated pipe shells, spraying, or boards. Due to its good flexibility and light weight, polyurethane is easier to construct, especially advantageous in applications requiring thin-layer insulation.

From the perspective of ease of construction, polyurethane is more flexible and faster to install, while rock wool, due to its higher hardness and more complex processing requirements, requires more care during construction.

IV. Comparison of Durability and Service Life

1. Durability of Rock Wool

Rock wool has high durability and does not degrade due to temperature changes, moisture, or UV exposure. As an inorganic material, rock wool is not easily corroded and is suitable for harsh environments. Its service life is long, typically lasting for decades.

2. Durability of Traditional Insulation Materials

Glass wool: Glass wool has good durability, but its insulation performance will gradually decrease if exposed to a humid environment for a long time.

Polyurethane: The durability of polyurethane is greatly affected by the external environment. Especially when exposed to high temperatures, ultraviolet radiation, or high moisture content for a long time, its insulation performance will significantly deteriorate, resulting in a relatively shorter service life.

Overall, rock wool has significantly higher durability and service life than polyurethane, especially performing exceptionally well in harsh environments.

V. Economic Efficiency and Overall Cost Comparison

| Comparison Dimensions | Rock Wool | Polyurethane |

| ----- | ---- | ------- |

| Initial Cost | Low | High |

| Construction Difficulty | High | Low |

| Insulation Effect | Medium | Excellent |

| Service Life | Long | Medium |

| Overall Cost-Effectiveness | Medium | High |

From an economic perspective, rock wool has a lower initial cost, making it suitable for large-scale applications, but its thicker insulation layer increases material usage. While polyurethane materials have a higher initial cost, their excellent thermal insulation performance allows for better insulation even with thinner layers, making them cost-effective considering long-term energy savings.

A comprehensive comparison of rock wool and traditional insulation materials reveals their respective advantages:

Rock wool: Excellent fire resistance, high temperature resistance, and high durability, suitable for applications with high temperature and stringent fire protection requirements;

Polyurethane: Lower thermal conductivity and high insulation efficiency, suitable for systems with high energy efficiency and space requirements, but has certain limitations in terms of high temperature and fire resistance. In practical applications, the selection of appropriate insulation materials requires a comprehensive consideration of the project's actual needs, environmental conditions, and cost budget.