Application of Polyurethane Foam Sandwich Panels in Refrigerated Trucks

Polyurethane foam sandwich panels are widely used in refrigerated trucks, mainly because of their excellent thermal insulation performance and lightweight. At present, polyurethane foam sandwich panels with GRP facing are the mainstream products.


Advantages of Polyurethane Foam

  • Excellent thermal insulation performance: Polyurethane foam has extremely low thermal conductivity (usually 0.018-0.024 W/m·K), which can effectively prevent heat from being transferred through the vehicle body. For refrigerated trucks, keeping the internal temperature low is the key. Polyurethane foam sandwich panels can ensure stable temperature inside the vehicle and reduce energy consumption of refrigeration equipment.
  • Lightweight: The low density of polyurethane foam (28~50kg/m³) further reduces the weight of the sandwich panel and improves the load capacity and fuel economy of the refrigerated truck.
  • Structural stability: The closed-cell polyurethane foam has good compressive resistance, ensuring the stability and durability of the sandwich panel during long-term use.

Features of GRP (FRP) Panels

  • High strength and durability: GRP sheets have high strength and good corrosion resistance, and can effectively resist physical damage and chemical corrosion that refrigerated trucks may encounter during transportation.
  • Lightweight: GRP sheets are light in weight, which reduces the overall weight of refrigerated trucks, helps improve fuel efficiency and increase payload.
  • Weather resistance: GRP sheets are resistant to UV rays and aging, suitable for use in various climatic conditions, and extend the service life of refrigerated trucks.
  • Easy to clean: FRP has a smooth surface, is not easy to absorb dirt, is easy to clean and maintain, and meets the hygiene requirements of food transportation.

One-piece Refrigerated Panels Provide more Stable Performance

  • Multilayer composite technology:The skin and core material are formed into large-area panels through a press, and each side of the refrigerated truck body is a panel.
  • Vacuum composite technology: Using vacuum environment to make the material layers more tightly combined, avoiding the existence of air layers and bubbles.
Application of Polyurethane Foam Sandwich Panels in Refrigerated Trucks
Application of Polyurethane Foam Sandwich Panels in Refrigerated Trucks

Side Panels, Front Panels and Roof Panels

  • Facing material: GRP (FRP) sheet.
  • Core material: polyurethane foam.
  • Special design: Various materials that enhance structural strength such as wood, aluminum profiles, steel profiles, and fiberglass profiles are embedded inside the foam core.
PU foam core refrigerated truck wall panels

Door Panels

  • Facing material: GRP (FRP) sheet.
  • Core material: polyurethane foam.
  • Special design: The edge of the panel is reinforced with wood or fiberglass profiles to enhance the durability of the door panel and provide better sealing.
PU foam core refrigerated truck door panels

Subfloor Panels

The refrigerated truck subfloor is an important component of the refrigerated truck. Its design and material selection have a significant impact on maintaining a stable temperature and cleanliness inside the refrigerated truck.

  • Facing material: GRP (FRP) sheet.
  • Core material: polyurethane foam +Plywood.
  • Special design: Adding one or two layers of plywood inside the floor can enhance its compressive strength and bearing capacity, making it suitable for transporting heavy goods.
PU foam core refrigerated truck subfloor panels

To learn more about our solutions for refrigerated truck panels, please contact us.