Basic Composition

New ThermaPhen™ is a fire resistant insulated cladding product manufactured by RMAX from Polyphen foam and a proprietary Multitex pre-render system. This pre-rendered cladding panel when combined with Multitex proprietary top coat render represents a new fire resistant building system. It is this unique combination that gives ThermaPhen™ its exceptional fire protection qualities.

ThermaPhen™ will open up new design opportunities in domestic and commercial applications for fire rated construction.

In addition to its exceptional fire resistance, ThermaPhen™ enables projects to achieve the crucial five star energy requirement for insulation, contributing to sustainable building practices.

What is ThermaPhen™?

ThermaPhen™ is a combination of expanded polystyrene (EPS) and phenolic foam, combining the best qualities of each medium. The finished product is a rigid foam made from a matrix of Expandable Polystyrene (EPS) and Phenolic resin rendered in the usual way with a proprietary Multitex pre-render system.

EPS is renowned for its strong mechanical properties, thermal insulation and its ease of use and ability to be formed. However EPS has a lower fire rating than Phenolic foam. Phenolic foam on the other hand is brittle and difficult to work but its fire resistant properties are exceptional.

In a fire situation, the EPS will evaporate at 140OC and will combust at 300OC without flashover as tested to ISO 9705. When this occurs the phenolic foam is left in a honeycomb shape and it is this, which acts as a fire buffer.

How it Works

In a non-fire situation, the EPS and Phenolic matrix provides strength and insulation and when rendered makes it suitable for the external cladding of domestic and commercial buildings.

In a scenario where a fire is in close proximity to the Polyphen® foam the Phenolic part of the matrix does not burn and maintains its shape and structure, even when the expanded polystyrene part would begin to melt if it was there by itself. The Polyphen® foam remains in a honeycomb shape and it is this, which acts as a fire buffer.

The physical structure of the Phenolic matrix remains in place providing increased strength when compared to a plain EPS sheet.

Applications

ThermaPhen™ can be used as part of a system to provide a two-hour fire rating. From an architectural perspective fire rated design now doesn’t need to be compromised because of fire rating regulations.

It can be installed in sheet or laminated form and prior to render can be profile cut to +/- 0.5mm. This opens up design opportunities that have been denied in the past.

ThermaPhen™ and the new Bushfire Standards

Currently undergoing final testing, ThermaPhen™ is expected to comply with the Building Code of Australia (BCA) requirements for Fire Rating (FRL) with a 90 minute rating for structural adequacy, integrity and insulation as determined in Australian Standard 1530 Part 4.

Unofficial tests have shown ThermaPhen™ able to withstand sustained temperatures of 1,000ºC for 90 minutes, which is far longer than the usual exposure in bushfires, where ultra high temperatures last a matter of minutes.

Environmentally Sound

The main insulation ingredient in ThermaPhen™ is RMAX Environmental EPS – one of the most environmentally friendly products on earth when used in construction. The energy saved over a lifetime of an insulation panel in reduced heating more than compensates for the raw material used in its construction.

A Truly Unique Cladding Product

In reality there is nothing to compare ThermaPhen™ to because of its combination of fire rating, strength, weight, cost and ease of application, and efficient manufacturing process, not to mention its light environmental footprint.

Current Product Status

Polyphen® fire resistant insulation foam has been commercially available for over four years and has undertaken many tests relating to the building industry. Further tests are currently being carried out. Tests on rendered RMAX ThermaPhen™ are awaiting final approvals at which time they will be released.

Brochures & Downloads

 ThermaPhen™ - Brochure (1mb)