Question

What are thermal insulating materials ?

Hint:

These are poor conductors of heat, such as glass wool or thermocole, used to block heat flow.

Answer 1

Step 1: Define thermal insulating materials:
Thermal insulating materials are materials with a very low thermal conductivity. They resist the flow of heat from one place to another.

Step 2: Why they are used:
In a refrigeration or air conditioning system, heat from the warm surroundings keeps trying to enter the cold space.
Insulation slows this heat flow, so the cooling load falls and energy is saved. It also stops sweating on cold pipes and ducts.

Step 3: Common examples and uses:
Glass wool, rock wool, thermocole (expanded polystyrene), polyurethane foam and cork are common insulating materials.
They are used on cold room walls, refrigerator cabinets, suction pipes and air ducts.

Final Answer:
Thermal insulating materials have low thermal conductivity and are used to reduce heat flow into or out of a cooled space.