Which is better foam ceramic partition board or traditional materials?
Publish Time: 2025-08-12
In modern construction, the choice of wall material directly impacts building safety, energy efficiency, comfort, and construction efficiency. With the increasing popularity of green building and sustainable development concepts, traditional wall materials such as concrete blocks, aerated concrete (ALC) boards, and gypsum boards are facing challenges from new environmentally friendly materials. Foam ceramic partition board, a new building material that combines lightweight, thermal insulation, fire resistance, and sound insulation, has attracted considerable attention in recent years.
1. Fire Resistance: Foam Ceramic Wins
In terms of fire safety, foam ceramic partition board has a clear advantage. Made from ceramic waste or clay, foamed and sintered at high temperatures, it is a Class A non-combustible material with a fire resistance limit of over three hours, effectively preventing the spread of fire. While traditional aerated concrete boards also offer some fire resistance, their fire resistance is typically limited to around two hours and they are prone to cracking at high temperatures. While gypsum board is less expensive, its strength rapidly degrades when exposed to fire, making its fire resistance far inferior to foam ceramic.
2. Thermal Insulation: Foam Ceramic Performs Better
Foam ceramic is filled with closed pores, offering excellent thermal insulation properties and significantly reducing building energy consumption. In contrast, ordinary concrete blocks have a thermal conductivity exceeding 1.1 W/(m·K), resulting in poor insulation and often requiring additional insulation. While aerated concrete panels offer excellent thermal insulation, their high water absorption rate degrades their effectiveness over time. Foam ceramic, on the other hand, absorbs virtually no water and offers more stable performance.
3. Lightweight and High Strength: Reduces Structural Loads
Foam ceramic partition boards typically have a density between 300 and 600 kg/m³, only one-third to one-half that of traditional brick walls. This significantly reduces building weight and contributes to the structural safety of high-rise buildings. Furthermore, their compressive strength can reach 3 to 5 MPa, meeting the load-bearing requirements of partition walls. In contrast, while aerated concrete panels are also lighter, they are less strong and prone to cracking. Gypsum boards are more fragile and require support from studs.
4. Sound Insulation and Durability: Long-Term Advantages
Due to its porous structure, foam ceramic partition board offers excellent sound absorption and insulation properties, achieving sound insulation exceeding 45 dB. It is suitable for use in residential, hospital, and school environments requiring a quiet environment. Furthermore, it is resistant to acids and alkalis, freeze-thaw, and aging, with a service life of over 50 years, far exceeding that of ordinary masonry walls. Traditional materials such as brick-concrete walls, while durable, are complex to construct and heavy. Gypsum board is susceptible to moisture and deformation, resulting in poor durability.
5. Construction Efficiency and Environmental Protection: A Green and Efficient Choice
Foam ceramic partition board utilizes a dry construction method that can be sawed, drilled, and nailed, making it easy to install and significantly shortening construction time. Furthermore, its raw materials, primarily industrial waste or natural minerals, produce no harmful emissions, making it a green building material. Traditional masonry methods, on the other hand, involve extensive wet work, a long construction period, and generate significant amounts of construction waste.
Overall, foam ceramic partition board surpasses traditional wall materials in fire resistance, thermal insulation, lightweight, durability, and environmental friendliness. It is particularly suitable for modern buildings that demand high safety and energy efficiency. Although its initial cost is slightly higher, its superior performance and low maintenance costs offer a higher cost-effectiveness over the long term.
