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| Performance |
Description |
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Thermal insulation
and inertia |
In a context of variable heat, as would be the norm in any building, both the insulation and heat accumulation properties of the structure are of importance. Celenit, thanks to its mass and specific
heat, has 20 times more capacity for
thermal accumulation than common insulators. |
| Biophysical performance |
Celenit consists of natural products:
Therefore, there is no risk of pollution, neither at the production or implementation stage, nor at any subsequent re-cycling or waste disposal stage. There is
strong evidence to confirm these statements: the product does not contain harmful metals, it does not develop harmful gases, it is not radioactive and it is not flammable. Any waste for disposal
can be deposited in common dumps for building materials.
Celenit's physical characteristics, namely the ability to transpire, the absence of electrostatic charges, the ability to accumulate heat and the ability to regulate humidity, ensure optimum living conditions.
Celenit has an unlimited lifespan, as it is not subject to biological or chemical degradation. Indeed, its performance improves through a process of carbonation, which occurs over time.
Celenit has been declared eco-bio compatible by ANAB, certificate
21/03.
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| Acoustic properties |
The
characteristics of the Celenit panel, such as its mass, its cellular
structure, its low elasticity coefficient and its internal
sound-reducing property, make this a good product both to regulate noise
(noise absorption) and to reduce the transmission of sounds (acoustic
insulation). |
| Lifespan |
Its lifespan is unlimited.
When restoring buildings dating back to the early 1930's, panels made of
mineralised fir wood-wool bound with Portland cement were found in perfect condition, so much so that it was not considered necessary to replace them. These experimental findings have now been confirmed by research carried out by Padua University. Tests carried out by electronic microscope have proved the perfect preservation of the cell structure of wood fibres, both on recently produced panels and panels which are over 20 years old. The fact that fibres are saturated with mineralising and fire retarding substances, together with the effect of the silicates existing in Portland cement, fully protect the fibre from any biological, chemical or meteorological phenomenon. Over time, the carbonation of the lime contained in Portland cement increases the product's level of resistance. |
| Reaction to fire |
With regard to its reaction to fire, Celenit is classified as a Class 1
(B1) product. In the event of fire, it does not drip, does not create fumes or toxic gases and does not spread the fire. Swiss regulations classify products in
mineralised fir wood-wool bound with Portland cement as practically incombustible (class 6q.3), just like mineral wools. French and German regulations allow their use to face the floorings of multi-storey car parks open to the public, as a dispensation to the use of fireproof materials.
In accordance with DIN part 4, under the title "The reaction to fire of building materials and construction components", products made from
wood-wool and cement are suitable for protecting construction components from fire. Indeed, they act as a thermal shield, substantially increasing the fire resistance of such components. This is due to the insulation properties of the material, resulting from its open cellular structure, not subject to bursting and splintering, and from the structure's ability, even when in direct contact with fire, to remain unaltered for long stretches of time, thanks to the protective action of its mineral components.
Fire simulations have demonstrated that Celenit combusts slowly and without flames, forming a substantial mass of ash which protects the underneath part of the panel, reducing its speed of combustion and eventually blocking it. Covering the panels in plaster or
gypsum board increases its fire resistance.
The same considerations can be made in relation to Celenit
L3, multi-layered panels with mineral wool at their core.
As regards Celenit P2 and Celenit
P3, multi-layered panels with self-extinguishing polystyrene at their core, in the event of fire the wood-cement covering prevents the polystyrene from coming into the direct contact with fire and air necessary for combustion. Furthermore, at the fusion stage, the polystyrene adheres to the layer of
wood-wool and Portland cement, thus reducing the speed of emission of volatile flammable compounds.
French regulations allow these panels to be used in any type of
building, including public areas, up to a maximum height of 50 metres.
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Performance in contact with other materials
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The reaction of
panels when in contact with building components is neutral. With regard to concrete in particular, when used as a permanent formwork, compression resistance and the elasticity coefficient are improved. When plastered, they do not give rise to stains or efflorescence and they
do not have a corrosive effect on pipes, other metallic components or plastic materials. |
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Resistance to water and freezing
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Celenit is completely insensitive to water and freezing. Portland cement renders the panels waterproof, and close adherence to the
wood-wool prevents it from coming away in cases where freezing occurs. Therefore, in humid conditions, no swelling and no crumbling occur. Celenit has passed freeze-resistance tests consisting
of dipping panels into water at 35 °C for 8 hours and then placing them in conditions of -10 °C for another 8 hours. This process was repeated 20 times. At the end, the panels were perfectly intact. Indeed, they were in a better condition than when they started, due to the positive effect of water on the hydraulic
binders (research carried out by Padua University). This insensitivity to water allows the panels to be used externally and in highly humid environments, as well as
stored in the open. |
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Regulating humidity
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Celenit panels act as hygrometric
regulators. They absorb excess humidity and release it when normal conditions have been re-established, without any deformation occurring (see
Technical Characteristics). Using Celenit panels on false ceilings and facings renders the environment dry, contributing, from this point of view also, to improved living comfort. |
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