Plasterboard partition panels provide a practical way to create internal walls in commercial and refurbishment projects. When paired with a suitable core, like Ravatherm XPS, these partition panels can also deliver improved insulation performance. Here are some of the reasons why contractors and specifiers should consider PBX-50 plasterboard partition panels when selecting an internal wall system.
What is a PBX-50 plasterboard partition panel?
PBX-50 is a composite plasterboard sandwich panel which features an extruded polystyrene XPS core, providing a lightweight system that delivers excellent thermal efficiency. The panel’s construction includes 12.5mm of plasterboard on either side of the Ravatherm XPS core to create a stable and ready-to-install partition panel for separating spaces in multi-use buildings, such as offices.
The plasterboard interior partition panel is available in three standard sizes such as 2400 x 1200mm, 2700 x 1200mm and 3000 x 1200mm, and is compatible with the Truline System 2000 framing system.
Compatibility with Truline System 2000
The Truline System 2000 is a lightweight and relocatable partitioning system, which uses a 50mm aluminium frame for non-load bearing walls. The frame is fully demountable, offering great flexibility for different interior space layouts.
This modular assembly holds the partition panels securely in place and acts as a space divider that can later be reconfigured or relocated.
As the PBX-50 plasterboard partition panel has a thickness of 46mm, it can fit seamlessly within the System 2000 framework, providing a practical approach to internal partitioning, particularly where lightweight construction and efficient installation are required.
What are the benefits of plasterboard partition panels?
Internal wall systems, such as plasterboard partition panels, help to reduce complexity on site and simplify the installation process. Instead of installing individual components, an integrated wall partition system can reduce the number of stages involved during installation, helping to reduce the amount of time spent on site. Many plasterboard partition panels are also designed to be lightweight, making them easier to transport, handle and install.
Partition panels can provide an efficient way to create internal walls without taking up too much floor space. PBX-50 also enables greater design freedom as the panel is made with plasterboard, providing a smooth surface that can be easily prepared for a range of decorative finishes.
Due to this flexibility and the performance characteristics of PBX-50, the partition panel can be used across a variety of building types and applications such as residential, commercial, educational, healthcare, office and refurbishments.
Plasterboard partition systems can often be tailored to performance requirements, depending on the choice of core material. Some partition systems use a cardboard honeycomb core, whereas the PBX-50 system uses XPS core.
The importance of an XPS core in plasterboard partition panels
The plasterboard partition panel’s core plays an important role in the overall performance of the system. While plasterboard provides a smooth and decorative ready surface, an XPS core can provide additional performance benefits to create a lightweight wall solution.
One of the main benefits of an XPS core is its thermal performance, with each PBX-50 panel providing a thermal resistance of 0.636 m²K/W. Extruded polystyrene has a low thermal conductivity, helping to reduce heat transfer through the partition and contribute to improved energy efficiency. This can be beneficial where partitions form part of an insulated internal wall system.
XPS cores also have a closed-cell structure and low water absorption, providing good resistance to moisture. This can make XPS core panels suitable for areas exposed to humidity. In addition, the core has a lightweight construction which makes insulated partition panels easier to handle and install.
Another benefit is the core’s dimensional stability and high compressive strength of 300 kPa, providing a rigid and robust structure suitable for wall partition applications.
The PBX-50 partition panels also provide acoustic performance, with a weighted apparent sound reduction index (R’w) of 35 dB (-1, -5), helping to reduce airborne sound transmission through the partition and limit the transfer of noise between spaces.
Choosing the right plasterboard partition panel
The right partition panel depends on the project requirements. PBX-50 can help balance installation efficiency with thermal, moisture and acoustic performance. When specifying a system, it is important to consider not just the facing but also the insulation core to achieve the required performance.
Panel Systems supply PBX-50 panels through distributors such as Go Interiors and SIG.
Discover more on the use of Ravatherm XPS in specialist applications.
To discuss your internal wall partition requirements, contact our team today.
