Humankind has always looked for more efficient materials throughout history, and he attempted earnestly to do so. Sandwich panels are an innovative way to construct buildings sustainably and efficiently.

In nature as well as industry we can see the idea of a three-layered robust structure: bird wings which make the flying process happen for the birds and in the robustness of human skulls one can see the sandwich panel effects. This article explores sandwich panels in the construction industry, though they have many more applications than just using them as a sustainable and efficient material for buildings.

Sandwich panels are materials consisting of two stiff skins that are separated by a lightweight core. Skins are mostly metal or fiber-reinforced composites, and the core is mainly engineering honeycomb, polyurethane foam, or balsa wood. In buildings typically a foam core and polyurethane faces are used because the foam has thermal insulation which plays an important role for sustainable structures. Although honeycomb cores are more robust, they do not have a thermal insulating effect. In addition, the faces need to be robust as well to play a structural role for the whole sandwich panel.

Furthermore, sandwich panels are popular, sustainable, and efficient in the construction industry for several reasons:

Low cost of buying and installation in comparison with concrete structures

Easy to use because they are premade in factories

Saves money in the energy sector on grounds of the structure yielding the benefits of thermal insulation

Variety and customizability make sandwich panels a great choice for every aesthetic taste and purpose

The stability of the structure is guaranteed because sandwich panels are lightweight and robust materials.

High fire resistance and noise-free buildings on account of the material used in making sandwich panels which makes it perfect for such purposes. (For example, aluminum faces and honeycomb or foam cores)

In addition, there are a lot of other benefits to using sandwich panels that relate to reusability, recycling, and sustainability of structures made by this material thanks to the reusability of sandwich panels in other buildings which have the potential to save a lot of money in the energy sector and construction industry.

Moreover, sandwich panels in buildings are of two kinds: roof, and wall panels. Each of these have both similarities and dissimilarities. They are both robust, durable materials; however, for the right purpose, one needs to know their needs in the first place and then look for the right product to apply and use. Generally, wall panels are designed for thermal insulation, structural support, energy efficiency, fire resistance, and sound insulation. Roof panels share the same characteristics though they need to be designed in a way to withstand heavier loads of pressure, and extreme weather conditions (e.g., Rain, snow, thunderstorms, etc.). One thing that needs to be kept in mind is the specification of these materials. Their thickness can vary from 4cm, 5cm, 6cm, 8cm, 10cm, 12.5cm, and 15cm, and the width can also vary from 100 cm to 116 cm, and the thickness of the top and bottom layers could be 0.5 mm. Also, the price changes according to the type of panels and the company that provides those panels. For example, one company sells its product of 4 cm thickness and width of 100 cm at the price of 748.000 Toman (nearly 20$ US dollars). Below is a list of different types of panels and their corresponding price.

1. WP: 4 cm, w: 116 cm, Price: 718.000 Toman (17$ US dollars)

2. RP: 5 cm, w: 100 cm, price: 784.000 Toman (19$ US dollars)

3. WP: 5 cm, w: 116 cm, price: 748.000 Toman (18$ US dollars)

4. RP: 6 cm, w: 100 cm, price: 802.000 Toman (20$ US dollars)

5. WP: 6 cm, w: 116 cm, price: 779.000 Toman (18.5$ US dollars)

6. RP: 8 cm, w: 100 cm, price: 996.000 Toman (25$ US dollars)

7. WP: 8 cm, w: 116 cm, price: 844.000 Toman (20.5$ US dollars)

8. RP: 10 cm, w: 100 cm, price: 1.126.000 Toman (27.5$ US dollars)

9. WP: 10 cm, w: 116 cm, price: 972.000 Toman (24$ US dollars)

10. RP:12.5 cm, w: 116 cm, price: 1.110.000 Toman (27$ US dollars)

11. WP: 15 cm, w: 116 cm, price: 1.244.000 Toman (30$ US dollars)

Likewise, below is a list of different types of panels and their related usability.

Sandwich Puf Panels: these panels are generally made of two outer metal layers (usually aluminum) and a middle polyurethane foam. It is useful for thermal insulation purposes.

Fire-proof Rockwool Sandwich Panels: The outer layers are normally metal and the core is rockwool. It is perfect for fire resistance, thermal insulation, and sound absorption properties.

EPS Sandwich Panels: The core material is expanded polystyrene foam that is between two layers of metallic or other materials. Its usage is for roofing, wall cladding, and cold storage applications.

PIR Sandwich Panels: PIR (polyisocyanurate), its core material is rigid polyurethane and the layers are like the other types. One can implement it where thermal insulation, fire resistance, and sound absorption properties are needed.

Honeycomb Sandwich Panels: the core of these panels are honeycomb structures which are made of aluminum mostly. Similarly, the layers are metallic or other materials like other panels. With the help of honeycomb panels, one can realize an excellent strength-to-weight ratio, making them ideal for applications that require lightweight but strong materials.