Why is bubble wrap a bad insulator of heat?

Bubble wrap is a popular packaging material used to protect goods during shipping. It's often thought of as an ineffective insulator of heat since bubbles in the wrap can easily compress and release heat. But is this really the case?

What is bubble wrap?

Bubble wrap is most commonly known as an insulator of heat. Bubble wrap is created by blowing a gas (usually air) under high pressure and temperature until it becomes a liquid, which then forms bubbles. The bubbles trap pockets of air, which helps to keep the liquid from boiling or bursting. This process is repeated multiple times to create the bubble wrap material.

The reason bubble wrap is not an ideal insulator of heat is that when hot objects are placed inside the bubble wrap, the bubbles will burst, releasing the trapped heat. This process can quickly warm up the inside of the bubble wrap and cause it to become uncomfortable to be in. Additionally, if the bubble wrap becomes soaked with sweat or rain, this moisture will also help to create thermal conductivity within the bubble wrap, making it even more difficult to retain heat.

How does bubble wrap work as an insulator of heat?

Bubble wrap is a material that is often used as an insulator of heat because when it is heated, the air within the bubble wrap expands and creates a space between the bubble wrap and the object that which it is attached. This space prevents heat from transferring from the object to the bubble wrap and keeps the object at a stable temperature.

Pros and Cons of bubble wrap as an insulator of heat

If you're looking for an insulation material that will keep your food warm or cold, bubble wrap is not the best option. Bubble wrap is actually a poor insulator of heat and can actually cause your food to cook or freeze. Additionally, bubble wrap is also difficult to remove from items once they have been insulated, so it could cause damage if it's left on during cooking or storage.

Conclusion

Bubble wrap is often touted as an excellent insulator of heat. However, this isn’t always the case. When bubble wrap is heated up and then quickly cooled down, it can create pockets of air that trap body heat. This can result in a dangerous increase in temperature inside the bubble wrap packaging – especially if the packaging is stacked on top of another layer of material. If you are using bubble wrap to protect items from heat or cold, be sure to keep them as far away from each other as possible to avoid trapping body heat and increasing your chances of a dangerous accident.