SLENTEX® – Novel High-Performance Insulation Presented at Insulation Expo Europe (IEX) in Cologne

SLENTEX^® is an easy-to-process and non-combustible material based entirely on mineral raw materials. As a single-layer, flexible mat, it is now available for a variety of applications in the construction and modernization sectors. The novel high-performance insulation, an inorganic aerogel, has been developed in many years of cooperation with Aspen Aerogels Inc. in the USA. Since 2016, there has also been an intensification of cooperation with BASF in the field of aerogel-based insulation materials. At a joint booth, the two companies are now exhibiting the new product for the first time at Insulation Expo Europe (IEX) in Cologne on May 16 and 17. “We and BASF are delighted to be able to jointly present the new high-performance insulation material to an international audience and are convinced of its potential for positively contributing to modern, energy-efficient construction,” says Gregg Landes, Vice President, Innovation and Strategic Development, Aspen Aerogels.

Good room climate starts with the insulation
SLENTEX^® is an extra-slim and highly efficient insulation mat. With a λ_D value of 19 mW/m • K, the material achieves much lower thermal conductivity than conventional insulation materials and permits the construction of very slim thermal insulation systems. Beneficially, the material is non-combustible and has an A2-s1, d0 fire class.

Overall, the newly developed product abounds with properties of huge importance for modern construction: SLENTEX^®permits the diffusion of water vapor (µ ~ 5) while also being hydrophobic, thus also significantly reducing the risk of mold development. The mat also combines flexible handling with extra-low thermal conductivity (λ_D 19 mW/m*K). “Thanks to its flexibility, the insulation material adapts very well to building geometries and meets high energy standards at the same time,” says project manager Dr. Wibke Lölsberg, responsible at BASF for the global market launch of the high-performance product. The material also makes efficient use of scarce and often expensive construction space. SLENTEX^® offers architects and designers solutions for situations with limited space indoors and outdoors. Whatever the issue – historic, listed facades, building elements such as balconies, entrance and transitional areas, window jambs, roller shutter boxes or uneven masonry and compensation for different levels – SLENTEX^® can be used in all areas and even in places where other insulation materials reach their limits.

At Insulation Expo Europe, our experts will be presenting the new high-performance insulation material and be available to answer questions at booth 550, Hall 8.

Further information on SLENTEX^® and SLENTITE^®, BASF’s high-performance insulation materials, the special chemistry they’re based on and current projects is supplied by  CORPUS – Constructing Tomorrow, BASF’s online magazine on the world of construction. 
www.slentex.com;  www.slentite.com

About BASF’s Performance Materials Division
BASF’s Performance Materials division encompasses the entire materials knowhow of BASF regarding innovative, customized plastics under one roof. Globally active in four major industry sectors – transportation, construction, industrial applications and consumer goods – the division has a strong portfolio of products and services combined with a deep understanding of application-oriented system solutions. Key drivers of profitability and growth are our close collaboration with customers and a clear focus on solutions. Strong capabilities in R&D provide the basis to develop innovative products and applications. In 2017, the Performance Materials division achieved global sales of € 7.7 bn.
Further information at  www.performance-materials.basf.com/

About BASF
At BASF, we create chemistry for a sustainable future. We combine economic success with environmental protection and social responsibility. The more than 115,000 employees in the BASF Group work on contributing to the success of our customers in nearly all sectors and almost every country in the world. Our portfolio is organized into five segments: Chemicals, Performance Products, Functional Materials & Solutions, Agricultural Solutions and Oil & Gas. BASF generated sales of €64.5 billion in 2017. BASF shares are traded on the stock exchanges in Frankfurt (BAS), London (BFA) and Zurich (BAS). Further information at  www.basf.com.