Performance of Different Sandwich Panel Core Materials for Cleanroom Applications

As cleanrooms are increasingly used in pharmaceutical manufacturing, medical facilities, electronics production, and industrial plants, sandwich panels have become one of the most important construction materials. Among all components, the core material plays a key role in determining the panel’s fire resistance, insulation performance, structural strength, and overall suitability for different applications.

Below is a practical overview of the most commonly used sandwich panel core materials and their typical performance.

Rockwool Core Sandwich Panels

Rockwool sandwich panels are manufactured from natural stone fibers and are widely recognized for their excellent fireproof performance.

They are non-combustible and can achieve A1 fire rating, making them a preferred choice for projects with strict fire safety requirements. In addition, rockwool panels offer good sound insulation and maintain structural stability even under high temperatures.

Typical applications include:

• Pharmaceutical and GMP cleanrooms

• Hospitals and laboratories

• Industrial buildings with high fire protection standards

Magnesium Oxide Core Sandwich Panels

Magnesium oxide (MgO) core panels provide a balanced solution between fire resistance, strength, and cost efficiency. The surface is flat and smooth, which makes these panels suitable for cleanroom wall and ceiling systems.

Compared with rockwool panels, magnesium oxide panels are often chosen for projects where fire performance is required but budget control is also an important factor.

Typical applications include:

• Medical and healthcare cleanrooms

• Food and electronics production areas

• Industrial partition systems

Polyurethane (PU) Core Sandwich Panels

PU sandwich panels are mainly valued for their excellent thermal insulation performance. With a very low thermal conductivity, they help reduce energy consumption and maintain stable indoor temperatures.

These panels are lightweight, offer good airtightness, and are easy to install, making them suitable for energy-efficient buildings and temperature-controlled environments.

Typical applications include:

• Temperature-controlled cleanrooms

• Cold storage facilities

• Industrial roofing and cladding systems

Honeycomb Core Sandwich Panels

Honeycomb core sandwich panels are designed for projects that require lightweight structures and high surface flatness. The honeycomb structure provides good rigidity while keeping the overall panel weight low.

They are often used in cleanroom interiors where aesthetics, ease of installation, and dimensional stability are important.

Typical applications include:

• Electronics and semiconductor cleanrooms

• Laboratory interior partitions

• Cleanroom wall systems with high appearance requirements