Polyisocyanurate (PIR) Foam Core
Polyisocyanurate (PIR) Foam Core is a closed-cell thermoset foam board classified to ASTM C1289, offered in PIR-32 to PIR-200 densities plus FR-B, glass-reinforced GF-PIR, cryogenic and sprayed grades.
Reference datasheet — Polyisocyanurate (PIR) Foam Core is not in the instant-quote catalog. Upload your part and an engineer will quote it in this grade or suggest the closest stocked equivalent.
Values for the PIR-32 condition
Polyisocyanurate (PIR) Foam Core grades and fills
Polyisocyanurate (PIR) Foam Core is supplied in 11 conditions, soft to hard. PIR-32 is the default FabDigit quotes; the values on this page are for it.
Compare all 11 grades and fillsHide
| Grade · open for datasheet | Best for | Yield MPa | Tensile MPa | Elong. % | Hardness |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
PIR-32Default 32 kg/m³ insulation board core | Standard building/roof and wall sandwich-panel core; lowest λ and lowest cost per m², use where loads are low. | 0.22 | |||
FR | Choose for panels needing B-s1,d0 / ASTM E84 Class A performance in occupied buildings; higher isocyanurate index plus FR package. | 0.28 | 5 | ||
Spray / pour-in-place PIR | Two-component system foamed in the cavity of discontinuous panels, doors and tanks; slightly lower and more variable properties than laminated board. | 0.28 | 6 | ||
40 kg/m³ cold-store / cold-chain panel core | Most common continuous-laminated core density for cold-room and refrigerated-truck panels needing modest handling strength. | 0.3 | 6 | ||
Glass-fibre reinforced PIR | Chopped-glass or glass-mat reinforced foam for better dimensional stability, less shrinkage and higher shear strength in roof boards. | 0.35 | 4 | ||
48 kg/m³ structural sandwich core | Transport/marine and load-bearing wall panels where face-wrinkling and shear stiffness govern. | 0.4 | 5.5 | ||
60 kg/m³ high-load core | Trafficked roof decks, pipe supports and locally loaded panel zones (fastener and edge inserts). | 0.55 | 5 | ||
Cryogenic grade | Fine-cell, crack-resistant formulation (often 60–200 kg/m³) qualified for LNG tanks, cold boxes and cryogenic pipework. | 0.65 | 4.5 | ||
80 kg/m³ heavy-duty / pipe-support core | Cryogenic pipe shoes, load-bearing inserts and cold-box supports where compressive creep matters. | 0.85 | |||
100 kg/m³ high-density block | Machined blocks for insulated supports, tooling backup and heavily loaded panel edge fills. | 1 | |||
PIR-160/200 | Cryogenic tank saddles, LNG pipe shoes and thermal-break blocks carrying several MPa of bearing stress. | 3 |
What is Polyisocyanurate (PIR) Foam Core?
Polyisocyanurate (PIR) Foam Core is a closed-cell thermoset foam board classified to ASTM C1289, offered in PIR-32 to PIR-200 densities plus FR-B, glass-reinforced GF-PIR, cryogenic and sprayed grades. At 0.032 g/cm³ its thermal conductivity of 0.023 W/m·K is the lowest of the common core foams, with 0.22 MPa tensile strength and 110 °C service temperature, which is why it is used in faced building and refrigerated-transport panels. Mechanical strength is low and the cell structure is friable, so it carries insulation and pressure loads rather than high skin shear; rigid PU is tougher and XPS handles moisture better. Polyisocyanurate (PIR) Foam Core has a density of 0.03 g/cm³ (0.0012 lb/in³), lighter than 98% of composite grades. Polyisocyanurate (PIR) Foam Core has a tensile strength of 0.22 MPa (0.0319 ksi), weaker than 100% of composite grades. The elastic modulus is 0.01 GPa (7.25×10⁻⁴ Msi).
What is Polyisocyanurate (PIR) Foam Core used for?
- insulated metal building panels
- refrigerated trailer panels
- cold storage sandwich walls
Advantages
- Easy to machine — 93/100, better than 100% of composite grades
- Lightweight — 0.03 g/cm³ (0.0012 lb/in³), better than 98% of composite grades
Limitations
- Low stiffness — 0.01 GPa (7.25×10⁻⁴ Msi), worse than 100% of composite grades
- Poor heat conductor — 0.02 W/m·K (0.0133 BTU/hr·ft·°F), worse than 100% of composite grades
- Hard to polish — 5/100, worse than 99% of composite grades
- Degrades in UV without stabilisers — 15/100, worse than 98% of composite grades
- Limited service temperature — 110°C (230 °F), worse than 87% of composite grades
Polyisocyanurate (PIR) Foam Core properties
Typical room-temperature values for Polyisocyanurate (PIR) Foam Core-PIR-32; bars are the position among composite grades.
Physical3
Polyisocyanurate (PIR) Foam Core has a density of 0.03 g/cm³ (0.0012 lb/in³), lighter than 98% of composite grades.
Mechanical8
Polyisocyanurate (PIR) Foam Core has a tensile strength of 0.22 MPa (0.0319 ksi), weaker than 100% of composite grades. The elastic modulus is 0.01 GPa (7.25×10⁻⁴ Msi).
Thermal8
Polyisocyanurate (PIR) Foam Core is rated for continuous service to 110°C (230 °F). It conducts heat at 0.02 W/m·K (0.0133 BTU/hr·ft·°F), worse than 100% of composite grades. Thermal expansion is 60 µm/m·K (33.3 µin/in·°F).
Electrical1
Chemical & Environmental2
UV resistance is poor.
Sustainability4
Producing a kilogram of Polyisocyanurate (PIR) Foam Core takes about 103 MJ of energy and emits 5 kg of CO₂ — less than 65% of composite grades. Typical recycled content is 5%.
Manufacturability2
Polyisocyanurate (PIR) Foam Core's machinability is excellent (93/100, better than 100% of composite grades).
Common Calculations4
Values are nominal handbook figures for design screening. Certified mill or lot data ships with every FabDigit order on request.
Strength versus weight in the composite family
Yield strength against density for every composite grade FabDigit runs. Polyisocyanurate (PIR) Foam Core is highlighted; hover a dot for its name, or open the interactive family chart.
Working with Polyisocyanurate (PIR) Foam Core
Is Polyisocyanurate (PIR) Foam Core easy to machine?
Cuts easily with band saw, hot wire, knife or CNC router; use vacuum extraction for fine dust and sharp tools to avoid cell tear-out.
Can Polyisocyanurate (PIR) Foam Core be welded?
Not weldable — thermoset; join by structural adhesive bonding (PU/epoxy) or by foaming directly against the facers.
Can Polyisocyanurate (PIR) Foam Core be formed, bent or molded?
Made by continuous double-belt lamination between facers, in discontinuous press panels, or poured/sprayed in place; blocks are sawn and planed to size.
Polyisocyanurate (PIR) Foam Core chemical composition (wt %)
Limits by weight percent from the governing specification, written the way the spec states them — a single maximum for impurities, a range for alloying elements, and the base element as balance. Nominal is the typical mid-range value.
| Element | Spec limit (wt %) | Nominal |
|---|---|---|
| polymeric MDI (isocyanate, high index)isocyanate index typically 200–350 to form isocyanurate rings | 50 – 65 | 58 |
| aromatic polyester polyol | 25 – 35 | 30 |
| flame retardant (TCPP/TEP) | 2 – 8 | 5 |
| blowing agent (pentane / HFO)n-/iso-pentane or HFO-1233zd; cell gas gives low λ | 2 – 6 | 4 |
| trimerisation catalyst + silicone surfac | 1 – 4 | 3 |
What surface finishes work on Polyisocyanurate (PIR) Foam Core?
Always protected by a facer (steel, aluminium foil, glass mat, GRP or plywood); exposed foam should be coated or membrane-covered against UV and moisture.
Equivalent designations
Standards and trade names that resolve to Polyisocyanurate (PIR) Foam Core in FabDigit's catalog. Equivalence is nominal — check the exact specification when certification matters.
- Similar grades
- C1289
How much does Polyisocyanurate (PIR) Foam Core cost?
Polyisocyanurate (PIR) Foam Core is a standard-cost composite ($$), cheaper than about 71% of the materials FabDigit quotes. Part price depends far more on geometry, tolerance and quantity than on the raw stock — upload a CAD file for a live quote.
Polyisocyanurate (PIR) Foam Core — frequently asked
What is Polyisocyanurate (PIR) Foam Core used for?
Polyisocyanurate (PIR) Foam Core is typically used for insulated metal building panels, refrigerated trailer panels and cold storage sandwich walls. In short: lowest thermal conductivity core; fire-improved PU alternative; standard building-panel core.
What is the tensile strength of Polyisocyanurate (PIR) Foam Core?
Polyisocyanurate (PIR) Foam Core has a typical tensile strength of 0.22 MPa (0.0319 ksi) — weaker than 100% of composite grades. Strength varies by condition: see the 11 listed tempers.
Is Polyisocyanurate (PIR) Foam Core easy to machine?
Yes — machinability is rated excellent (93/100, better than 100% of composite grades). Cuts easily with band saw, hot wire, knife or CNC router; use vacuum extraction for fine dust and sharp tools to avoid cell tear-out.
Can Polyisocyanurate (PIR) Foam Core be welded?
Not weldable — thermoset; join by structural adhesive bonding (PU/epoxy) or by foaming directly against the facers.
What surface finishes work on Polyisocyanurate (PIR) Foam Core?
Always protected by a facer (steel, aluminium foil, glass mat, GRP or plywood); exposed foam should be coated or membrane-covered against UV and moisture.
Can Polyisocyanurate (PIR) Foam Core be formed, bent or molded?
Made by continuous double-belt lamination between facers, in discontinuous press panels, or poured/sprayed in place; blocks are sawn and planed to size.
What is the maximum service temperature of Polyisocyanurate (PIR) Foam Core?
Polyisocyanurate (PIR) Foam Core is rated for continuous use to about 110°C (230 °F), and briefly to 140°C. Strength falls off well before that limit — check the elevated-temperature data for load-bearing parts.
How much does Polyisocyanurate (PIR) Foam Core cost?
Polyisocyanurate (PIR) Foam Core is a standard-cost composite ($$), cheaper than about 71% of the materials FabDigit quotes. Part price depends far more on geometry, tolerance and quantity than on the raw stock — upload a CAD file for a live quote.
Sources
- ASTM C1289 Standard Specification for Faced Rigid Cellular Polyisocyanurate Thermal Insulation Board — ASTM International (2022)
- EN 13165 Thermal insulation products for buildings — Factory made rigid polyurethane foam (PU) products — CEN (2016)
- ASTM D1621 / D1623 / C273 — Compressive, tensile and shear properties of cellular plastics — ASTM International (2020)
- Rigid PIR insulation board and sandwich-panel core datasheets — Kingspan / Recticel / Huntsman (2023)
- Polyurethane Handbook / Sandwich construction core data — Hanser / ASM (1994)
Property data is compiled from published supplier and standards handbooks and normalised for comparison; hardness values on non-Brinell scales are converted approximately for charting only. Manufacturability limits are FabDigit quote-engine defaults and may be relaxed by engineering review. Nothing on this page is a certification — request mill certs, CoC or material test reports with your order.