The application of foamed polymers as one of the components of insulating coatings allows to solve the problems of energy saving and creation of optimal operating conditions for constructions. The systems of application of energy-efficient heat-insulating materials must consider both the particularities of the insulating materials and the functional orientation of the constructions. The implementation of the concept of seamless insulating coatings implies the achievement of thermal effect and reduction in air permeability both by means of the application of thermal insulation with low thermal conductivity and the minimization of junctions between separate elements of the insulating coating, which is achieved using elastic foamed polymers and, first of all, polyethylene foam. Construction of seamless insulating coatings creates practically impermeable heat, vapor, and water barriers along the outer perimeter of the insulated object. Multilayer products based on polyethylene foam represent a relatively new material—a fact that requires examination of their properties, as well as under various operating conditions, and development of a methodology for evaluation of the operational resistance of these materials in structures of different purposes, including cold conservation. The performed tests have shown that the compressive strength at 10% deformation is determined by the function of load application area and varies from 70 kPa during the test of cube samples of 10 × 10 × 10 in size to 260 kPa for areas exceeding 100 m². The longitudinal tensile strength amounts to 80–92 kPa, and the strength of the weld seam is equal to 29–32 kPa. It has been established that the values of thermal conductivity of polyethylene foam with an average density of 18–20 kg/m³ amounts to 0.032–0.034 W/(m·K), diffusion moisture absorption is equal to 0.44 kg/m² without a metallized coating and 0.37 kg/m² with a metallized coating; water absorption after partial immersion in water for 24 h amounts to 0.013 kg/m²; water absorption by volume after complete water immersion for 28 days is equal to 0.96%. The material does not practically change its properties under conditions of long-term temperature alteration from −60 to +70 °C. The developed and implemented insulation systems for protective surfaces of framed construction objects, rubbhalls and frameless structures, floating floors, indoor ice rinks, and snow conservation systems are presented.

One of the most important priorities for all countries with property beyond the Arctic Circle and territories located in permafrost areas is the development of special construction technologies and systems. The required conditions are met by insulation systems based on seamless insulation shells made of polyethylene foam. The study of the strength and performance properties of polyethylene foam and its combinability was carried out according to standard methods and using the methods of experimental design and the analytical processing of the results. The change in material properties at negative temperatures was determined based on the results of climatic tests, followed by an evaluation of creep under load. The evaluation of the effectiveness of the design solutions was carried out using special computer programs. It was found that the performance characteristics of products made of polyethylene foam (rolls, mats) meet the requirements for insulation materials used at temperatures down to −60 °C. The resulting material is moderately combustible, which must be taken into account when developing recommendations for its use in insulation systems. A nomogram has been developed that makes it possible to predict the properties of a material and solve formulation problems. Insulation systems were developed, and a visualisation of the thermal fields of the insulation systems of the external walls and ceilings of a building was carried out.

Effective insulation of buildings and other industrial objects requires the use of materials and system solutions that ensure maximum uniformity and density of insulation shells. The study focuses on the development of insulation systems based on expanded polyethylene and, in particular, on the development of modified polyethylene with reduced flammability containing a flame-retardant modified montmorillonite clay, which does not hinder gas formation, and silicate nanofillers in layered construction. Active experiments based on mathematical design methods allowed us to establish an analytical relationship between flame-retardant and modifier consumption and extruder pressure and response functions: average density of polyethylene foam and flammability criterion. The flammability criterion was taken as the oxygen index of the modified polyethylene foam. A foaming agent masterbatch was used as the flame retardant. Analytical optimization of mathematical models obtained as a result of active experiments allowed us to determine the optimal flame-retardant consumption, which was 3.7–3.8% of the polymer mass. Optimised systems for average density and oxygen index of flammability of modified polyethylene were obtained. A nomogram for predicting the material properties and selecting the composition, and an algorithm for a computer program for evaluating the properties of modified polyethylene foam as a function of the values of various factors, were developed. Taking into account the possible expansion of the scope of application of rolled polyethylene foam and seamless insulation shells based on it, possible solutions for insulation systems were studied using the program THERM, and a combined insulation system was adopted.

The article presents studies of the exploitation characteristics of the material, the results of a full-scale survey of a residential private house insulated with expanded polyethylene, as well as the main design solutions for the insulation of a frame cottage. The features of insulation systems of low-rise buildings, including those with a frame-bearing carrier system, are considered. It has been substantiated that the use as thermal insulation of mineral-wool plates used on non-loaded structures assumes the mandatory placement of vapor barrier (usually plastic film) from the inside of the insulated surface and the windproof membrane outside. The use of a rolled foamed polyethylene as an insulating material makes it possible to realize an insulating sheath without additional layers. Experimental determinations of diffusion moisture absorption, water absorption upon partial immersion in water, water absorption upon full immersion in water, tensile strength in the longitudinal direction, and adhesion strength of the adhesive layer to metal were performed. It was established that the diffusion moisture absorption of samples of expanded polyethylene is 0.51-0.75%, and taking into account the weld it is 0.70-0.75%. Water absorption of samples when fully immersed in water does not exceed 0.96% by volume. The tensile strength in the longitudinal direction for products with a metallized coating is 80-92 kPa, without a metallized coating - 80-87 kPa, and for a weld - 29-32 kPa. A field survey showed that the humidity of the pine timber is within the normative. The expediency of warming only the outer coating of expanded polyethylene of the calculated thickness without filling the frame is justified, which, with standard air exchange and observance of the conditioning conditions, will be sufficient to maintain the microclimate in the room.