AU2011101467A4 - An insulation panel - Google Patents

Abstract

Abstract This disclosure relates to an insulation panel comprising a laminate of an insulating layer interposed between first and second cover layers, in which the first cover layer has a first reflective surface and the second cover layer has a second reflective surface, wherein the second reflective surface is less reflective than the first reflective surface. This is beneficial as the glare produced by the second reflective surface is less than the glare produced by the first reflective surface when exposed to strong light, thereby reducing the possibility of subsequent human distraction or accidents arising as a result of the glare, while retaining the thermal properties of the insulation panel.

Description

AUSTRALIA Patents Act 1990 COMPLETE SPECIFICATION INNOVATION PATENT AN INSULATION PANEL The following statement is a full description of this invention, including the best method of performing it known to us: Field of the Invention [001]The present invention relates to insulation materials and in particular to an insulation panel. [002]The invention has been developed primarily for use in insulating residential and commercial buildings and will be described hereinafter with reference to this application. However, it will be appreciated that the invention is not limited to this particular field of use. Background of the Invention [003] Insulation panels used in the construction or retrofit of buildings are designed to reduce heat transfer by conduction, radiation or convection and are employed in varying combinations to achieve the desired outcome. Such insulation panels comprise a relatively flat polymer foam core sandwiched between, and bonded to, two relatively thin facings to form a laminated sandwich. The two facings are typically coated with a highly reflective material to enable heat to be reflected away from the building in which the insulation panel has been installed to protect the building from heat gain. However, the high reflectivity is often a cause of road accidents due to the glare produced by the highly reflective surface when light, such as from the sun or from a car's headlights, reflects off it. [004]The present invention seeks to provide an insulation panel, which will overcome or substantially ameliorate at least some of the deficiencies of the prior art, or to at least provide an alternative. [005] It is to be understood that, if any prior art information is referred to herein, such reference does not constitute an admission that the information forms part of the common general knowledge in the art, in Australia or any other country. Summary of the Invention [006]According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided an insulation panel comprising: - a laminate of an insulating layer interposed between first and second cover layers, the first cover layer having a first reflective surface and the second cover layer having a second reflective surface, the second reflective surface being less reflective than the first reflective surface. [007]Advantageously, the second reflective surface being less reflective than the first reflective surface affords the insulation panel with two different thermal reflectivities. [008] Advantageously, the second reflective surface being less reflective than the first reflective surface affords the insulation panel with two different light reflecting properties. [009] Advantageously, the glare produced by the second reflective surface is less than the glare produced by the first reflective surface when exposed to strong light. [0010] Preferably, the first cover layer comprises a first metal coating which forms the first reflective surface. [0011] Preferably, the second cover layer comprises a second metal coating which forms the second reflective surface. [0012] Preferably, the first metal coating is applied to an inner surface of the first cover layer adjacent the insulating layer. [0013] Preferably, the second metal coating is applied to an inner surface of the second cover layer adjacent the insulating layer. [0014] Preferably, the optical density of each of the first and second metal coatings is between 0.5 and 5 OD. [0015] Advantageously, the optical density of each of the first and second metal coatings is within a range that affords the corresponding metal coating with good reflectivity for reflecting heat. [0016] Preferably, the optical density of each of the first and second metal coatings is between 1 and 3 OD. [0017] Preferably, the optical density of each of the first and second metal coatings is between 1.5 and 2.5 OD. [0018] Preferably, each of the first and second metal coatings is aluminium.

[0019] Advantageously, aluminium has a high reflectivity that is suitable for use as the metal coating for reflecting heat. [0020] Preferably, the first and second cover layers are light transmitting layers. [0021] Preferably, the first and second cover layers are transparent or translucent layers. [0022] Preferably, the second cover layer further comprises a lacquer coating applied to an outer surface of the second cover layer. [0023] Advantageously, the lacquer coating reduces the glare caused by the second metal coating of the second reflective surface when exposed to strong light. [0024] Advantageously, the lacquer coating of the second reflective surface being less reflective than the first metal coating of the first reflective surface affords the insulation panel with two different thermal reflectivities. [0025] Advantageously, the lacquer coating of the second reflective surface being less reflective than the first metal coating of the first reflective surface affords the insulation panel with two different light reflecting properties. [0026] Preferably, the second cover layer further comprises a skin layer applied to an outer surface of the second cover layer. [0027] Advantageously, the skin layer reduces the glare caused by the second metal coating of the second reflective surface when exposed to strong light. [0028] Advantageously, the skin layer of the second reflective surface being less reflective than the first metal coating of the first reflective surface affords the insulation panel with two different thermal reflectivities. [0029] Advantageously, the skin layer of the second reflective surface being less reflective than the first metal coating of the first reflective surface affords the insulation panel with two different light reflecting properties. [0030] Preferably, the skin layer comprises a matte finish.

[0031]Advantageously, the skin layer having a matte finish enables it to be used as the external facing surface of the insulation panel thereby reducing glare when the insulation panel is mounted to a building. [0032] Preferably, the reflectivity of the second reflective surface is between 0 and 99 %. [0033] Advantageously, the reflectivity of the second reflective surface is less than the reflectivity of the first reflective surface. [0034] Preferably, the reflectivity of the second reflective surface is between 10 and 90 [0035] Preferably, the reflectivity of the second reflective surface is between 15 and 85 [0036] Preferably, at least one of the first and second cover layers is manufactured from a polymer. [0037] Advantageously, when at least one of the first and second cover layers is manufactured from a polymer, the insulation panel is installed such that the polymer based cover forms the external facing cover of the panel to provide water resistance against weathering. [0038] Preferably, the polymer is a metalized polymer. [0039] Advantageously, the first or second cover being metalized provides the corresponding cover with a thermally reflective surface. [0040] Preferably, the polymer comprises metal particles impregnated therein. [0041] Advantageously, the first or second cover being a metal particle impregnated polymer provides the corresponding cover with a thermally reflective surface. [0042] Preferably, the polymer is selected from the group of polymers comprising: polypropylene, polyethylene, and polyester. [0043] Advantageously, the polymer is selected from a group of polymers that have good water resistance.

[0044] Preferably, the lacquer coating is selected from the group of lacquers comprising: water-based, acrylic-based, and solvent-based lacquers. [0045] Advantageously, conventional water-based, acrylic-based and solvent-based lacquers are suitable for application to the metal coating to reduce glare. [0046] Preferably, the insulating layer comprises polystyrene. [0047] Advantageously, the insulating layer being polystyrene ensures that the insulation panel is lightweight. [0048] Advantageously, the insulating layer being polystyrene ensures that the insulation panel has good insulation qualities. [0049] Preferably, the insulating layer comprises expanded polystyrene. [0050] Advantageously, the insulating layer being expanded polystyrene ensures that the insulation panel is lightweight. [0051] Advantageously, the insulating layer being expanded polystyrene ensures that the insulation panel has good insulation qualities. [0052] Preferably, the insulating layer comprises extruded polystyrene. [0053] Advantageously, the insulating layer being extruded polystyrene foam (XPS) ensures high stiffness and reduced thermal conductivity. [0054] Preferably, the insulating layer comprises polypropylene. [0055] Advantageously, the insulating layer being polypropylene enables the corresponding insulation panel to be manufactured as a flexible roll. [0056] Advantageously, the insulating layer being extruded polystyrene ensures that the insulation panel is lightweight. [0057] Advantageously, the insulating layer being extruded polystyrene ensures that the insulation panel has good insulation qualities. [0058] Preferably, the first and second cover layers are bonded to the insulating layer by an adhesive.

[0059] Advantageously, the first and second cover layers being adhered to the insulating layer with adhesive ensures a good watertight seal. [0060] Other aspects of the invention are also disclosed. Brief Description of the Drawings [0061] Notwithstanding any other forms which may fall within the scope of the present invention, preferred embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: [0062] Fig. 1 shows (i) a perspective view of an insulation panel, and (ii) an enlarged transverse cross section through the insulation panel in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention; and [0063] Fig. 2 shows (i) a perspective view of an insulation panel, and (ii) an enlarged transverse cross section through the insulation panel in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention. Description of Embodiments [0064] It should be noted in the following description that like or the same reference numerals in different embodiments denote the same or similar features. [0065] Fig. 1 shows an insulation panel 100 which comprises a laminate of an insulating layer 20 substantially interposed between a first cover layer 30 and a second cover layer 40. The insulating layer 20, the first cover layer 30 and the second cover layer 40 in this embodiment are substantially rectangular in shape defining the edges 12, 14, 16, 18 of the insulation panel 100 in which the corresponding edges of the insulating layer 20, the first cover layer 30 and the second cover layer 40 meet with substantially no overlap. The first cover layer 30 has an inner surface 35 and an outer surface 38, and the second cover layer 40 has an inner surface 45 and an outer surface 48. The inner surface 35 of the first cover layer 30 and the inner surface 45 of the second cover layer 40 are bonded to a corresponding one of the two external faces of the insulating layer 20 using an adhesive to ensure a good watertight seal. The first cover layer 30 and the second cover layer 40 are both manufactured from a light transmitting material in the form of transparent polypropylene. However, the second cover layer 40 comprises a skin layer 70 applied to the outer surface 48 to afford the second cover layer 40 with a generally matte appearance. The skin layer 70 comprises a textured surface that causes light scattering. The outer surface 38 of the first cover layer 30 and the outer surface 48 of the second cover layer 40 face outwardly from the insulating layer 20 of the insulation panel 100. [0066] Prior to bonding the first 30 and second 40 cover layers to the corresponding external faces of the insulating layer 20, the inner surface 35 of the first cover layer 30 and the inner surface 45 of the second cover layer 40 are metallised with aluminium by vacuum depositing high grade aluminium wire at high temperature to afford an aluminium coating 50 on the inner surface 35 of the first cover layer 30 and an aluminium coating 60 on the inner surface 45 of the second cover layer 40. The bonding of the aluminium coatings 50 and 60 to the underlying polypropylene inner surfaces 35 and 45, respectively, is enhanced by extrusion coating a resin (not shown) onto the aluminium coatings 50 and 60. In this arrangement, the resin is in the form of a coextrusion sealant resin with a low density carrier resin. The resin is extrusion coated onto the aluminium coatings 50 and 60 to a suitable thickness in the range of, for example, 12 to 13 microns. The extrusion coated resin also prevents the aluminium coatings 50 and 60 from undergoing oxidation or removal. The resultant aluminium coatings 50 and 60 enhance the thermal reflectivity of the underlying polypropylene first cover layer 30 and second cover layer 40, respectively. [0067] The aluminium coating 50 on the inner surface 35 of the first cover layer 30 forms a first reflective surface and the aluminium coating 60 on the inner surface 45 of the second cover layer 40 forms a second reflective surface. [0068] The aluminium coatings 50 and 60 are of a suitable thickness to yield an optical density which is generally in the range of between 0.5 and 5 OD units, and more ideally in the range of between 1.5 and 2.5 OD units. With such an optical density, the aluminium coatings 50 and 60 have a high reflectivity for reflecting heat, which is generally in the range of between 85 and 97 %. However, as the outer surface 48 of the second cover layer 40 has a generally matte appearance, by virtue of the textured skin layer 70, the reflectivity of the second reflective surface of the second cover layer 40, being generally in the range of between 70 and 80 %, is lower than the reflectivity of the first reflective surface of the first cover layer 30. In this arrangement, the second reflective surface is thus less reflective than the first reflective surface.

[0069] In use, when the insulation panel 100 is installed into the external walls of a building, the least reflective outer surface 48 of the second cover layer 40 forms the external facing surface of the insulation panel 100. In this arrangement, the light from, for example, the sun is reflected by the outer surface 48 with a lower reflectivity than the aluminium-coated first cover layer 30, thereby reducing the possibility of glare, and subsequent human distraction or accidents arising as a result of the glare, while retaining the thermal properties of the insulation panel 100. [0070] Fig. 2 shows an insulation panel 200 according to another preferred embodiment of the present invention, which the insulation panel 200 has generally the same structure as insulation panel 100, but the outer surface 48 of the second cover layer 40 is coated with a lacquer 170, as opposed to a skin layer 70, to dull the reflectivity of the aluminium coating 60 visible through the transparent polypropylene second cover layer 40. The lacquer coating 170, which is in the form of a water-based lacquer comprising latex, is applied via direct gravure coating to the outer surface 48 to a suitable thickness to afford the second cover layer 40 with a reflectivity value in the general range of between 65 to 75%, which is notably less than the reflectivity of the aluminium-coated first cover layer 30. [0071] In use, when the insulation panel 200 is installed into the external walls of a building, the least reflective lacquer coating 170 on the outer surface 48 of the second cover layer 40 forms the external facing surface of the insulation panel 200. In this arrangement, the light from, for example, the sun is reflected by the aluminium coated second cover layer 40 with a lower reflectivity than the aluminium-coated first cover layer 30 on account of the lacquer 170, thereby reducing the occurrence of glare, and possible human distraction or accidents arising as a result of the glare, while retaining the thermal properties of the insulation panel 200. [0072] In the preferred embodiments described herein, the insulating layer 20 is manufactured from a suitable insulating material such as expanded polystyrene foam (EPS) or extruded polystyrene foam (XPS), being of a suitable thickness to provide the required insulation qualities for the insulation panel 100, 200 as well as being lightweight, water resistant, and relatively tough. The thickness of the insulating layer 20 may range from anywhere between 6 to 200 mm depending on the type of building the insulation panel 100,200 is to be installed within and its location. For example, where the building is located in a cold climate, the insulating layer 20 used is ideally towards the higher end of the thickness range. [0073] In other embodiments, lower surface reflectivities may be achieved by altering the characteristics of the lacquer 170 such as, for example, the concentration of latex particles in the lacquer 170, or by altering the coating conditions such as, for example, the number of coats of lacquer 170. [0074] In other embodiments, the first cover layer 30 and second cover layer 40 are not limited to being manufactured from polypropylene, but may be manufactured from other transparent or translucent polymers, including but not limited to, such polymers as polyethylene or polyester. It will be appreciated that the use of such polymers also affords the resulting insulation panel 100, 200 with good water resistance. In one arrangement, the first cover layer 30 and second cover layer 40 are manufactured from different polymers, in which the polymer used in the manufacture of the first cover layer 30 has a different thermal reflective property to the polymer used in the manufacture of the second cover layer 40. In this arrangement, the second cover layer 40 is less reflective than the first cover layer 30. Such other polymers may include, but are not limited to polyethylene or polyester. [0075] In other embodiments, the first cover layer 30 may be manufactured from a transparent or translucent polymer that has a lower transparency or translucency than the polymer used in the manufacture of the second cover layer 40. Therefore, when the inner surfaces 35 and 45 of the first cover layer 30 and the second cover layer 40, respectively, are coated with aluminium, the reflectivity of the aluminium coating 50 of the first reflective surface is less than the reflectivity of the aluminium coating 60 of the second reflective surface when viewed through the lower transparent or translucent second cover layer 40. [0076] In other embodiments, the first cover layer 30 and the second cover layer 40 each comprise a metal coating on their respective inner surfaces 35 and 45 to form the first reflective surface and the second reflective surface, respectively, in which the second reflective surface is less reflective than the first reflective surface. For example, in one arrangement, the thickness of the metal coating deposited on the inner surface 45 of the second cover layer 40 is less than the thickness of the metal coating deposited on the inner surface 35 of the first cover layer 30, such that the optical density of the metal coating on the inner surface 45 of the second cover layer 40 is less than the optical density of the metal coating on the inner surface 35 on the first cover layer 30, resulting in a less reflective surface. In another arrangement, the same metal may be coated on the first cover layer 30 and the second cover layer 40, but the metal coating on the first cover layer 30 is more polished than the metal coating on the second cover layer 40, thereby providing a more reflective surface. In yet another arrangement, the metal coating deposited on the second cover layer 40 may be a different metal to that deposited on the first cover layer 30, where the two metals have different thermal reflectivity properties. [0077] In other embodiments, the first cover layer 30 and the second cover layer 40 are not limited to comprising a metal coating on their respective inner surfaces 35 and 45, but may comprise a metal coating on their respective outer surfaces 38 and 48 to form the first reflective surface and the second reflective surface, respectively. In one arrangement, the outer surface 38 of the first cover 30 and the outer surface 48 of the second cover 40 are metallised with a suitable metal such as, for example, aluminium to afford thermally reflective surfaces. It will be appreciated that the metallised outer surfaces 38 and 48 are ideally further coated with the coextrusion sealant resin as described in the embodiments above to prevent the aluminium coatings (not shown) from undergoing oxidation or removal. To achieve the desired matte finish, the metallised outer surface 48 of the second cover layer 40 is then further coated with a skin layer 70 or a lacquer coating 170 in the same manner as described above such that the second reflective surface is less than the first reflective surface. [0078] In other embodiments, the first cover layer 30 and/or the second cover layer 40 may also be manufactured from a light transmitting polymer that is impregnated with metallic particles to achieve thermally reflective surfaces. In this arrangement, the density of metallic particles in the first cover layer 30 is greater than the density of metallic particles in the second cover layer 40 such that the second reflective surface is less reflective than the first reflective surface. [0079] In other embodiments, the general matte finish of the second cover layer 40 may be achieved via other suitable methods. In one example, the outer surface 48 of the second cover layer 40 may be physically roughened using an abrasive to achieve a matte finish. In another example, the mould used to produce the polypropylene second cover layer 40 during the manufacturing process may be patterned to impart a matte finish onto the outer surface 48 of the second cover layer 40.

[0080] In other embodiments, the lacquer coating 170 is not limited to being a water based lacquer, but may be an acrylic-based or solvent-based lacquer. [0081] In other embodiments, the aluminium source for metallisation is not limited to high grade aluminium wire, but may be aluminium in other forms. In one arrangement, aluminium powder may be vacuum deposited onto the inner surfaces 35 and 45 at high temperature. [0082] In other embodiments, the insulating layer 20 is not limited to being manufactured from polystyrene, but may be manufactured from another material. In one example, the insulating layer is manufactured from a woven polypropylene or fibreglass mesh of a suitable thickness to form a corresponding insulation panel (not shown) that is reinforced by the woven polypropylene or fibreglass mesh insulating layer. [0083] In other embodiments, the insulation panels 100, 200 may further comprise an additional layer disposed between the insulating layer 20 and one or both of the metallised first and second cover layers 30 and 40. In one example, the additional layer is manufactured from woven polypropylene or fibreglass mesh as described above to afford the corresponding insulation panel with increased strength. [0084] In other embodiments, the insulation panel 100, 200 may be employed for the purposes of lagging, such as in the lagging of pipes or water heaters. In this arrangement, the first and second cover layers and the insulating layer have a thickness that enables the corresponding insulation panel to be flexible enough to roll. In this arrangement, the insulation roll is simply wrapped around the pipe or heater and held in place using a suitable adhesive or adhesive tape. Interpretation Embodiments: [0085] Reference throughout this specification to "one embodiment" or "an embodiment" means that a particular feature, structure or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, appearances of the phrases "in one embodiment" or "in an embodiment" in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment, but may. Furthermore, the particular features, structures or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner, as would be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art from this disclosure, in one or more embodiments. [0086] Similarly it should be appreciated that in the above description of example embodiments of the invention, various features of the invention are sometimes grouped together in a single embodiment, figure, or description thereof for the purpose of streamlining the disclosure and aiding in the understanding of one or more of the various inventive aspects. This method of disclosure, however, is not to be interpreted as reflecting an intention that the claimed invention requires more features than are expressly recited in each claim. Rather, as the following claims reflect, inventive aspects lie in less than all features of a single foregoing disclosed embodiment. Thus, the claims following the Detailed Description of Specific Embodiments are hereby expressly incorporated into this Detailed Description of Specific Embodiments, with each claim standing on its own as a separate embodiment of this invention. [0087] Furthermore, while some embodiments described herein include some but not other features included in other embodiments, combinations of features of different embodiments are meant to be within the scope of the invention, and form different embodiments, as would be understood by those in the art. For example, in the following claims, any of the claimed embodiments can be used in any combination. Different Instances of Objects [0088]As used herein, unless otherwise specified the use of the ordinal adjectives "first", "second", "third", etc., to describe a common object, merely indicate that different instances of like objects are being referred to, and are not intended to imply that the objects so described must be in a given sequence, either temporally, spatially, in ranking, or in any other manner. Specific Details [0089] In the description provided herein, numerous specific details are set forth. However, it is understood that embodiments of the invention may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known methods, structures and techniques have not been shown in detail in order not to obscure an understanding of this description. Terminology [0090] In describing the preferred embodiment of the invention illustrated in the drawings, specific terminology will be resorted to for the sake of clarity. However, the invention is not intended to be limited to the specific terms so selected, and it is to be understood that each specific term includes all technical equivalents which operate in a similar manner to accomplish a similar technical purpose. Terms such as "forward", "rearward", "radially", "peripherally", "upwardly", "downwardly", and the like are used as words of convenience to provide reference points and are not to be construed as limiting terms. Comprising and Including [0091] In the claims which follow and in the preceding description of the invention, except where the context requires otherwise due to express language or necessary implication, the word "comprise" or variations such as "comprises" or "comprising" are used in an inclusive sense, i.e. to specify the presence of the stated features but not to preclude the presence or addition of further features in various embodiments of the invention. [0092] Any one of the terms: including or which includes or that includes as used herein is also an open term that also means including at least the elements/features that follow the term, but not excluding others. Thus, including is synonymous with and means comprising. Scope of Invention [0093] Thus, while there has been described what are believed to be the preferred embodiments of the invention, those skilled in the art will recognize that other and further modifications may be made thereto without departing from the spirit of the invention, and it is intended to claim all such changes and modifications as fall within the scope of the invention. For example, any formulas given above are merely representative of procedures that may be used. Functionality may be added or deleted from the block diagrams and operations may be interchanged among functional blocks. Steps may be added or deleted to methods described within the scope of the present invention. [0094] Although the invention has been described with reference to specific examples, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the invention may be embodied in many other forms.

Industrial Applicability [0095] It is apparent from the above, that the arrangements described are applicable to the residential and commercial construction industry.

Claims (27)

1. An insulation panel comprising: - a laminate of an insulating layer interposed between first and second cover layers, the first cover layer having a first reflective surface and the second cover layer having a second reflective surface, the second reflective surface being less reflective than the first reflective surface.

2. An insulation panel as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first cover layer comprises a first metal coating which forms the first reflective surface.

3. An insulation panel as claimed in claim 2, wherein the second cover layer comprises a second metal coating which forms the second reflective surface.

4. An insulation panel as claimed in claim 2, wherein the first metal coating is applied to an inner surface of the first cover layer adjacent the insulating layer.

5. An insulation panel as claimed in claim 3, wherein the second metal coating is applied to an inner surface of the second cover layer adjacent the insulating layer.

6. An insulation panel as claimed in claim 3, wherein the optical density of each of the first and second metal coatings is between 0.5 and 5 OD.

7. An insulation panel as claimed in claim 3, wherein the optical density of each of the first and second metal coatings is between 1 and 3 OD.

8. An insulation panel as claimed in claim 3, wherein the optical density of each of the first and second metal coatings is between 1.5 and 2.5 OD.

9. An insulation panel as claimed in claim 3, wherein each of the first and second metal coatings is aluminium.

10. An insulation panel as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first and second cover layers are light transmitting layers. 17

11. An insulation panel as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first and second cover layers are transparent or translucent layers.

12. An insulation panel as claimed in claim 1, wherein the second cover layer further comprises a lacquer coating applied to an outer surface of the second cover layer.

13. An insulation panel as claimed in claim 1, wherein the second cover layer further comprises a skin layer applied to an outer surface of the second cover layer.

14. An insulation panel as claimed in claim 13, wherein the skin layer comprises a matte finish.

15. An insulation panel as claimed in claim 1, wherein the reflectivity of the second reflective surface is between 0 and 99 %.

16. An insulation panel as claimed in claim 1, wherein the reflectivity of the second reflective surface is between 10 and 90 %.

17. An insulation panel as claimed in claim 1, wherein the reflectivity of the second reflective surface is between 15 and 85 %.

18. An insulation panel as claimed in claim 1, wherein at least one of the first and second cover layers is manufactured from a polymer.

19. An insulation panel as claimed in claim 18, wherein the polymer is a metalized polymer.

20. An insulation panel as claimed in claim 18, wherein the polymer comprises metal particles impregnated therein.

21. An insulation panel as claimed in claim 18, wherein the polymer is selected from the group of polymers comprising: polypropylene, polyethylene, and polyester.

22. An insulation panel as claimed in claim 12, wherein the lacquer coating is selected from the group of lacquers comprising: water-based, acrylic-based, and solvent-based lacquers. 18

23. An insulation panel as claimed in claim 1, wherein the insulating layer comprises polystyrene.

24. An insulation panel as claimed in claim 1, wherein the insulating layer comprises expanded polystyrene.

25. An insulation panel as claimed in claim 1, wherein the insulating layer comprises extruded polystyrene.

26. An insulation panel as claimed in claim 1, wherein the insulating layer comprises polypropylene.

27. An insulation panel as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first and second cover layers are bonded to the insulating layer by an adhesive.