Introduction to Rockwool Sandwich Panels in Cleanroom Construction

Rockwool sandwich panels are one of the most widely used materials in modern cleanroom construction. As cleanroom projects require walls and ceilings with excellent fire resistance, thermal insulation, and acoustic performance, rockwool panels provide an ideal solution. They are made by combining pre-painted galvanized steel sheets with a rockwool core through high-strength adhesive technology, forming a lightweight but highly durable modular panel system.

Key Features of Rockwool Cleanroom Panels

1. Fire Resistance
   Rockwool is a non-combustible material with a melting point above 1000°C. Panels with rockwool cores can achieve up to EI120 fire ratings, making them a safe choice for industries with strict fire safety requirements such as pharmaceuticals and electronics.

2. Thermal Insulation
   With a low thermal conductivity (around 0.035 W/m·K), rockwool provides stable indoor temperature control. In cleanroom projects, this reduces the burden on HVAC systems, saving energy while maintaining constant environmental conditions.

3. Acoustic Performance
   The fibrous structure of rockwool effectively absorbs sound waves, offering excellent acoustic insulation. This helps create a quieter and more comfortable working environment inside laboratories and production areas.

4. Strength and Stability
   Rockwool panels combine mechanical rigidity with light weight. Their high compressive strength ensures dimensional stability, making them suitable for both wall partitions and suspended ceilings in cleanrooms.

5. Cleanability and Durability
   The steel surface of the sandwich panel is coated with anti-static, anti-bacterial, and corrosion-resistant paint. This ensures smooth surfaces that are easy to clean and disinfect, in line with GMP and ISO 14644 cleanroom standards.

Applications in Cleanroom Engineering

• Pharmaceutical Industry: Rockwool panels are used in walls, ceilings, and corridors of GMP-certified cleanrooms, ensuring both fire protection and hygiene.

• Microelectronics and Semiconductor: These panels provide stable thermal and acoustic control, essential for sensitive production environments.

• Food Processing: The non-toxic and hygienic surface makes rockwool panels suitable for food-grade cleanrooms.

• Biotechnology and Laboratories: Fire safety combined with cleanliness is critical in research environments, making rockwool panels a preferred option.

Advantages Compared with Other Cores

Compared with EPS (expanded polystyrene) and PU (polyurethane) cores, rockwool offers superior fire resistance and sound absorption. Although slightly heavier, its safety and performance make it the preferred choice in industries where contamination control and fire safety are top priorities.

Conclusion

Rockwool sandwich panels are a reliable and high-performance solution for cleanroom wall and ceiling systems. Their unique combination of fire resistance, thermal insulation, acoustic absorption, and durability ensures compliance with the strictest cleanroom requirements. As cleanroom technology advances, rockwool panels will continue to be an essential material for safe, efficient, and sustainable cleanroom construction.