The insulation in the polyurethane insulated panels creates a conducive environment for working, learning and living and is especially suited to our temperate climate on the African continent, and similar environments.

Structural Integrated Panel (SIP) Systems

• SIP systems are 20% to 30% cheaper than traditional brick and mortar over the total project.
• Higher thermal properties are achieved using SIP panels, creating a more energy-efficient dwelling.
• Project lead times are reduced by up to 50% when building with SIP panels.
• SIP panels are rodent and insect resistant as there is no food source in the make-up of the panel.
• SIP panel systems require less labour than traditional brick and mortar and the buildings can be built with semi-skilled labour.
• Limited impact on the environment is made as no scarce resources are used on-site to build the building.

SIP panels are manufactured from three major components. Magnesium Oxide Boards (MgO), a lightweight steel frame and Polyurethane foam (PU).

One of the key reactive materials required to produce polyurethanes is diisocyanates. These compounds are characterized by a (NCO) group, which are highly reactive alcohols. The most widely used isocyanates employed in polyurethane production are toluene diisocyanate (TDI) and polymeric isocyanate (PMDI). TDI is produced by chemically adding nitrogen groups on toluene, reacting these with hydrogen to produce a diamine, and separating the undesired isomers. PMDI is derived by a phosgenation reaction of aniline-formaldehyde polyamines. In addition to these isocyanates, higher-end materials are also available. These include materials like 1,5-naphthalene diisocyanate and bitolylene diisocyanate. These more expensive materials can provide higher melting, harder segments in polyurethane elastomers.

The other reacting species required to produce polyurethanes are compounds that contain multiple alcohol groups (OH), called polyols. Materials often used for this purpose are polyether polyols, which are polymers formed from cyclic ethers. They are typically produced through an alkylene oxide polymerization process. They are high molecular weight polymers that have a wide range of viscosity. Various polyether polyols that are used include polyethylene glycol, polypropylene glycol, and polytetramethylene glycol. These materials are generally utilized when the desired polyurethane is going to be used to make flexible foams or thermoset elastomers.

Polyester polyols may also be used as a reacting species in the production of polyurethanes. They can be obtained as a byproduct of terephthalic acid production. They are typically based on saturated aromatic carboxylic acids and diols. Branched polyester polyols are used for polyurethane foams and coatings. Polyester polyols were the most used reacting species for the production of polyurethanes. However, polyether polyols became significantly less expensive and have supplanted polyester polyols.

Some polyurethane materials can be vulnerable to damage from heat, light, atmospheric contaminants, and chlorine. For this reason, stabilizers are added to protect the polymer.

• Wall height is 2400mm or 2700mm high
• Width is 1200mm or 600mm infill
• Thickness is 110mm external or 90mm internal panel

• The current capability of manufacturing up to 200 x 40m² houses per month on a 3 shift basis
• Suitable for all types of housing, schools, and clinics. Modular building systems can build up to two stories

• Electrical conduits, plug boxes and switch boxes are cast into the panel
• Plumbing conduits are cast into the panel

• Steel or aluminum window frames and door frames are foamed into the panels
• Timber window frames are fitted on site if required

• The modular building solution structure is built either on a lightweight concrete raft foundation or an elevated steel flooring system
• A bottom track is bolted to the concrete or steel foundation
• The panels fit over a bottom track and are screwed in place