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D E C E M B E R 2 0 2 2 | 33 Insulation provide similar performance to JM Corbond III. "JM Corbond IV not only has a lower GWP than JM Corbond III, but also performs competitively in terms of R-value, spray yield, and cooling require- ments [exothermic properties] when you compare it to the previous generation," says Yusheng Zhao, senior research chemist at JM. "The main difference between the two products is in the new, HFO blow- ing agent." The new blowing agent has a GWP of less than 2 and an Ozone Depletion Potential (ODP) of 0, an excel- lent choice for high-performing, energy-efficient commercial and residential insulation applications. Unsurprisingly, considering he's the managing director at the Canadian Precast/Prestressed Concrete Institute, Brian Hall continues to advocate for concrete in some forms as an ideal insulating material. Specifically, he speaks to the effectiveness and efficiency of precast concrete double-wythe insu- lated wall panels. "These panels deliver a complete energy-efficient building envelope, including exte- rior membrane, moisture barrier, insulation, and interior finish," he says. "Precast insulated wall panels offer a quick, environmentally-friendly alternative to building envelope construction and minimal site disturbance. Also, double wythe insulated wall panels are fabricated in an off-site CPCQA-certified manufacturing facility: wall fab- rication is typically nearly complete soon after the first precast panels arrive on site, and windows can be installed in precast panels at the produc- tion facility, further decreasing the time required to enclose the structure." Hall goes on to note that the panels can be used "to replace multiple exterior insulating and clad- ding systems. In many structures, they can also be used to replace structural elements. Many indus- trial, educational, commercial, and residential buildings have been designed as total-precast con- crete structures. In this scenario, load-bearing double-wythe insulated wall panels can be designed to eliminate cast-in-place and steel columns." Acquisitions in 2022 occurred in the insulation sector, most notably involving Owens Corning, which in August reported that it had completed the acqui- sition of Natural Polymers, a manufacturer of spray polyurethane foam insulation for building and con- struction applications, based in Cortland, Illinois. Owens Corning's Insulation president Todd Fister said, "Natural Polymers' proven technology advances our strategy to provide long-term, sustain- able solutions and offer our customers a diversified insulation product portfolio." Natural Polymers is dedicated to the development of high-quality spray polyurethane foam products and systems, offering some of the lowest-volatile organic compound products available in the spray foam industry today. Its track record of above-mar- ket growth is anticipated to contribute to Owens Corning's strategy to strengthen core building and construction products and expand the company's addressable markets into higher-growth segments. Also in 2022, Univar Solutions named as exclu- sive distributor for BASF's Pure Methyl Formate in the U.S. and Canada, effective October. The agree- ment is intended to expand their collaboration to better serve customers through a host of sustainable solutions across a range of applications. BASF's Pure Methyl Formate is utilized by cus- tomers for quick-drying finishes, as a blowing agent for some polyurethane foam applications, and as a replacement of hydrochlorofluorocarbons and hydrocarbons in polyurethane, polystyrene, and polyolefin foams. Methyl Formate is also used as a solvent in a variety of process applications, as a blowing agent for a variety of polymers, and as a binder in the foundry industry. Finally, the Rockwool Group is the world's lead- ing manufacturer of stone wool insulation. Its Safe'n'Sound stone wool fire and acoustic batt insu- lation is offered in several thicknesses including six inches, designed specifically for sound dampening and for faster and easier install between floors. This allows contractors and DIYers to get the maximum sound and fire protection benefits, while being friction fit between floors in a single layer, simplify- ing the process for greater efficiency in addition to reducing installation time. Withstanding temperatures up to 1,177°C, Safe'n'Sound is noncombustible and will not pro- duce toxic smoke or promote flames spreading, even when directly exposed to fire. The full line of Safe'n'Sound batt insulation products continues to be available in a variety of dimensions for use in residential applications such as between floors, in ceilings, and interior partition walls. Its density and non-directional fibre struc- ture helps it to absorb sound, creating a quieter indoor living space. A C M Y CM MY CY CMY K Award Magazine-Quarter_Page-Ad_DEC_2022_Print.pdf 1 11/9/2022 8:04:51 AM Total Design + Build Solutions . s t c e j o r P f o o R n e e r G r u o Y r o F Architek_AWARD_0321.indd 1 2/9/21 9:35 AM

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