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Polyisocyanurate (PIR) Foam Core PIR-60

Grade

PIR-60 = 60 kg/m³ high-load core

Trafficked roof decks, pipe supports and locally loaded panel zones (fastener and edge inserts).

Standard cost $$

Values for the PIR-60 condition

Other Polyisocyanurate (PIR) Foam Core grades and fills

Polyisocyanurate (PIR) Foam Core is listed in 11 conditions; see the grade overview at Polyisocyanurate (PIR) Foam Core.

Compare all 11 grades and fillsHide
Grade · open for datasheetBest forYield MPaTensile MPaElong. %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.—0.285—
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.—0.286—
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.—0.36—
Glass-fibre reinforced PIR
Chopped-glass or glass-mat reinforced foam for better dimensional stability, less shrinkage and higher shear strength in roof boards.—0.354—
48 kg/m³ structural sandwich core
Transport/marine and load-bearing wall panels where face-wrinkling and shear stiffness govern.—0.45.5—
PIR-60This page
60 kg/m³ high-load core
Trafficked roof decks, pipe supports and locally loaded panel zones (fastener and edge inserts).—0.555—
Cryogenic grade
Fine-cell, crack-resistant formulation (often 60–200 kg/m³) qualified for LNG tanks, cold boxes and cryogenic pipework.—0.654.5—
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 PIR-60?

Polyisocyanurate (PIR) Foam Core PIR-60 is Polyisocyanurate (PIR) Foam Core in the PIR-60 grade — trafficked roof decks, pipe supports and locally loaded panel zones (fastener and edge inserts). Polyisocyanurate (PIR) Foam Core PIR-60 has a tensile strength of 0.55 MPa (0.0798 ksi), weaker than 97% of composite grades. The elastic modulus is 0.01 GPa (0.0017 Msi). Polyisocyanurate (PIR) Foam Core PIR-60 has a density of 0.06 g/cm³ (0.0022 lb/in³), lighter than 93% of composite grades. PIR-32 is the default condition FabDigit quotes; PIR-60 is available on request or by drawing note.

Advantages

  • Lightweight — 0.06 g/cm³ (0.0022 lb/in³), better than 93% of composite grades
  • Easy to machine — 88/100, better than 93% of composite grades

Limitations

  • Poor heat conductor — 0.03 W/m·K (0.0144 BTU/hr·ft·°F), worse than 99% 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
  • Low stiffness — 0.01 GPa (0.0017 Msi), worse than 97% of composite grades
  • Limited service temperature — 120°C (248 °F), worse than 78% of composite grades

Polyisocyanurate (PIR) Foam Core PIR-60 properties

Typical room-temperature values for Polyisocyanurate (PIR) Foam Core PIR-60; 18 are specific to this condition. Other listed values are Polyisocyanurate (PIR) Foam Core reference data and may not represent this condition. Bars are the position among composite grades.

Physical3

Polyisocyanurate (PIR) Foam Core PIR-60 has a density of 0.06 g/cm³ (0.0022 lb/in³), lighter than 93% of composite grades.

Density0.06 g/cm³0 lb/in³
Water Absorption (24 h)1%
Water Absorption (Saturation)3%

Mechanical8

Polyisocyanurate (PIR) Foam Core PIR-60 has a tensile strength of 0.55 MPa (0.0798 ksi), weaker than 97% of composite grades. The elastic modulus is 0.01 GPa (0.0017 Msi).

Elastic (Young's) Modulus0.01 GPa0 Msi
Shear Modulus0.01 GPa0 Msi
Poisson's Ratio0.32
Tensile Strength (Ultimate)0.55 MPa0.08 ksi
Compressive Strength0.4 MPa0.06 ksi
Compressive Modulus0.01 GPa0 Msi
Flexural Strength0.85 MPa0.12 ksi
Shear Strength0.3 MPa0.04 ksi

Thermal8

Polyisocyanurate (PIR) Foam Core PIR-60 is rated for continuous service to 120°C (248 °F). It conducts heat at 0.03 W/m·K (0.0144 BTU/hr·ft·°F), worse than 99% of composite grades. Thermal expansion is 60 µm/m·K (33.3 µin/in·°F).

Thermal Conductivity0.03 W/m·K0.01 BTU/hr·ft·°F
Specific Heat Capacity1,450 J/kg·K0.35 BTU/lb·°F
Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C)60 µm/m·K33.3 µin/in·°F
Max Service Temperature (continuous)120°C248 °F
Min Service Temperature-50°C-58 °F
Flammability (UL 94)Typically HF-1/HBF class for FR foams; building boards classified by ASTM E84 (FSI ≤ 25, SDI ≤ 450) or EN 13501-1 Euroclass E to B-s1,d0 depending on facer
Limiting Oxygen Index26%
Max Service Temperature (short-term)140°C284 °F

Electrical1

Dielectric Constant (1 MHz)1.06

Chemical & Environmental2

UV resistance is poor.

UV / Weathering ResistancePoor15/100
Chemical Resistance SummaryGood resistance to dilute acids/alkalis, mineral oils, aliphatic solvents and hydrocarbons; attacked by strong acids/bases, chlorinated and polar solvents (acetone, MEK, DMF); closed-cell structure resists water and water vapour but foam is degraded by prolonged UV exposure.

Sustainability4

Producing a kilogram of Polyisocyanurate (PIR) Foam Core PIR-60 takes about 103 MJ of energy and emits 5 kg of CO₂ — less than 65% of composite grades. Typical recycled content is 5%.

Embodied Energy (primary production)103 MJ/kg44,282 BTU/lb
Embodied Carbon (primary production)5 kg CO₂/kg
Embodied Water250 L/kg30 gal/lb
Typical Recycled Content5%

Manufacturability2

Polyisocyanurate (PIR) Foam Core PIR-60's machinability is excellent (88/100, better than 93% of composite grades).

MachinabilityExcellent88/100
PolishabilityNot recommended5/100

Values are nominal handbook figures for design screening. Confirm any required mill or lot documentation when quoting.

Working with Polyisocyanurate (PIR) Foam Core PIR-60

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.

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.

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.

ElementSpec limit (wt %)Nominal
polymeric MDI (isocyanate, high index)isocyanate index typically 200–350 to form isocyanurate rings50 – 6558
aromatic polyester polyol25 – 3530
flame retardant (TCPP/TEP)2 – 85
blowing agent (pentane / HFO)n-/iso-pentane or HFO-1233zd; cell gas gives low λ2 – 64
trimerisation catalyst + silicone surfac1 – 43

Polyisocyanurate (PIR) Foam Core PIR-60 — frequently asked

What is Polyisocyanurate (PIR) Foam Core PIR-60 used for?

Polyisocyanurate (PIR) Foam Core PIR-60 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 PIR-60?

Polyisocyanurate (PIR) Foam Core PIR-60 has a typical tensile strength of 0.55 MPa (0.0798 ksi) — weaker than 97% of composite grades. Strength varies by condition: see the 11 listed tempers.

Is Polyisocyanurate (PIR) Foam Core PIR-60 easy to machine?

Yes — machinability is rated excellent (88/100, better than 93% 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 PIR-60 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 PIR-60?

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 PIR-60 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 PIR-60?

Polyisocyanurate (PIR) Foam Core PIR-60 is rated for continuous use to about 120°C (248 °F), and briefly to 140°C. Strength falls off well before that limit — check the elevated-temperature data for load-bearing parts.

Sources

  1. ASTM C1289 Standard Specification for Faced Rigid Cellular Polyisocyanurate Thermal Insulation Board — ASTM International (2022)
  2. EN 13165 Thermal insulation products for buildings — Factory made rigid polyurethane foam (PU) products — CEN (2016)
  3. ASTM D1621 / D1623 / C273 — Compressive, tensile and shear properties of cellular plastics — ASTM International (2020)
  4. Rigid PIR insulation board and sandwich-panel core datasheets — Kingspan / Recticel / Huntsman (2023)
  5. Polyurethane Handbook / Sandwich construction core data — Hanser / ASM (1994)

Property data is compiled from published supplier and standards handbooks and normalised for comparison. Nothing on this page is a certification — request mill certs, CoC or material test reports with your order.