CHARACTERIZATION OF SURFACE AND INTERNAL MOISTURE MIGRATION PROCESSES USING NONDESTRUCTIVE MEASUREMENT METHODS

The proper choice of insulation materials contributes to the long and reliable operation of the envelope of a whole building. This paper presents the results of moisture-content determination in materials used for internal thermal insulation under different hygrothermal conditions. In this study, surface and internal moisture contents were measured. Moisture sensors that enable constant monitoring of material moisture content but with different operational characteristics, were used in the analysis. The operating principle of the first method involves the conversion of the amount of infrared radiation reflected in an electric signal, and the second method involves the analysis of the electric impulse propagation velocity. The measurement results of both methods are used to determine the drying-out characteristics of components used in internal thermal insulation and the sorptive properties of the selected materials. The results of comparative studies are also presented for these proposed methods as well as the gravimetric method to determine the usability of the proposed methods in determining the dampness level. The overall measurement results helped determine the relationship between the internal and surface moisture contents and the time needed for the moisture content in different parts of the selected materials to equalize.