In the fields of building HVAC and industrial equipment insulation, rubber and plastic insulation materials are widely used for insulating hot and cold pipes and equipment due to their good flexibility, high closed-cell ratio, and convenient construction. The long-term stable operation of rubber and plastic materials under design conditions is closely related to their performance within their temperature range. Clearly defining the temperature range and performance characteristics of rubber and plastics is a crucial foundation for engineering selection and system design. This article explains the performance of rubber and plastics in different temperature ranges from an application perspective.

First, in the low-temperature range, rubber and plastic materials typically exhibit good flexibility and stability. Their closed-cell structure effectively blocks air convection and reduces heat transfer. In air conditioning chilled water systems and refrigerant pipelines, rubber and plastics maintain a certain degree of elasticity at low temperatures, are not prone to significant embrittlement, and are conducive to adhering to the pipe surface, reducing the risk of gaps and cold bridges caused by shrinkage.

Second, in the room temperature to medium temperature range, the overall performance of rubber and plastics is most stable. Within this temperature range, the thermal conductivity of the material changes little, and its mechanical properties and structural morphology remain good, making this the most common operating condition range for rubber and plastic applications. In building HVAC systems, a large number of pipes and equipment operate under these temperature conditions, and rubber and plastic can maintain a relatively consistent insulation effect over long-term use.

Third, under conditions approaching the upper limit of temperature resistance, the performance of rubber and plastic will gradually be tested. As the temperature rises, the material may experience a decrease in elasticity or a change in hardness. Prolonged exposure to high temperatures may accelerate material aging. Therefore, in situations where hot water pipes and equipment have high external surface temperatures, the temperature resistance rating of rubber and plastic products should be carefully verified to avoid exceeding their design operating range.

Fourth, from a system operation perspective, the impact of temperature fluctuations on the performance of rubber and plastic also needs attention. Frequent hot and cold switching causes the material to repeatedly expand and contract. Improper selection may lead to joint cracking or adhesion failure. Choosing rubber and plastic products with a high degree of temperature resistance matching, along with appropriate thickness and construction techniques, helps improve the stability of the system under varying operating conditions.

Fifth, it should be noted that the temperature resistance of rubber and plastic depends not only on the material itself but also on the outer coating, protective measures, and installation environment. When used outdoors or in high-temperature areas, properly installed protective layers should be used to avoid prolonged exposure to high temperatures, ultraviolet radiation, or other adverse environmental conditions, which helps to slow down the degradation of material performance.

Overall, rubber and plastics maintain good thermal insulation performance and structural stability within their designed temperature range, making them suitable for various building and industrial applications. In engineering practice, rubber and plastic products with matching temperature resistance ratings should be selected based on the medium temperature, environmental conditions, and operating mode. Through standardized design and construction, their performance advantages within the temperature range should be fully utilized to ensure the long-term reliable operation of the insulation system.