RIGID MATERIAL FOR HEAT-INSULATION AND/OR BUOYANCY FOR AN UNDERWATER PIPE

摘要

The present invention relates to a rigid material for heat-insulation and/or buoyancy, characterized in that it consists of a mixture of: (a) a matrix of a uniform cross-linked elastomeric polymer mixture and a liquid insulating plasticizer compound, said insulating plasticizer compound being selected from among compounds from inorganic or vegetable oil, said insulating plasticizer compound being a material, the phase of which does not change at a temperature of -10º to +150ºC, the weight proportion of said insulating plasticizer compound in said matrix being at least 50%, preferably at least 60%; and (b) hollow balls, preferably glass microbeads, dispersed said matrix of said uniform polymer mixture and said insulating plasticizer compound at a volumetric proportion of at least 35% of the total volume of the mixture of said beads with said matrix, preferably 40% to 65% of said total volume. Said rigid insulating material according to the invention can be used for the insulation and/or buoyancy of an underwater pipe or underwater-pipe element.