Xire®: Introducing a world-class innovation!

After many years of research effort, IsoBouw Systems B.V. of Someren, the Netherlands, has succeeded in developing a completely new raw material for insulation applications. The new material, which is called Xire^®, is non-flammable, compression-resistant, moisture-resistant and does not present a health hazard. These properties make IsoBouw’s Xire® an ideal insulation material for applications in the construction industry where stringent fire safety requirements apply. The material satisfies Euro fire classification A requirements.

IsoBouw’s product range is based on EPS-SE (fire-safe expanded polystyrene). Xire^® has been developed as an advanced product for applications where the fire safety requirements are more stringent than those called for by the Dutch Building Specifications Decree (Bouwbesluit).

Xire^® consists of expanded glass pearls, which are both non-flammable and thermally insulating. The pearls are compacted to form sheets or pre-shaped components in a steam-forming process. Expanded polystyrene is used as a carrier material in order to achieve a flawless, closed structure. This technique guarantees high insulation performance in combination with components that, in spite of their flexibility, offer high compression-resistance and retain their shape well.

The material is to be used for insulating flat roofs initially. This makes Xire^® the first non-flammable flat roof insulating material that complies with all the essential requirements for this application: high compression-resistance, no health hazards for both the installer and the user, moisture-resistant, easy and quick to cut and fit and environmentally friendly. Until now, no other insulating material offering this unique combination of product properties has been available for applications where more stringent fire safety requirements apply.

In addition to flat roof applications, Xire® can potentially be used for countless other applications. The fact that this material can be produced in any shape makes this technology suitable for a huge range of applications. IsoBouw has already been awarded 3 worldwide patents on both the technology and the applications.

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