17 - Aerogel-enhanced insulation for building applications

Abstract

The development of innovative materials aiming to achieve energy savings is a main focus in the building technology sector. In this regard, aerogel-enhanced products are often indicated as promising materials for achieving high thermal resistance in the building envelope. This chapter aims to review the current state-of-the-art of the aerogel-enhanced opaque systems. First cement-based products are reviewed. Then, the chapter describes aerogel-enhanced renders and plasters, proposed by different companies worldwide or developed by the author. Later, the focus moves on to aerogel-enhanced blankets, which are among the most promising superinsulating systems. In aerogel-enhanced blankets, which have already showed their effectiveness in several retrofitting projects, a fiber matrix bonds together the aerogel structure, compensating the low mechanical properties of the aerogel without reducing its exceptionally low thermal conductivity behavior. Comparative thermal characterization tests of several blankets confirm their superior performance with a thermal conductivity as low as 0.013W/(mK). Some new aerogel-enhanced blankets developed by the research group of the author are also presented. Finally, future research challenges for making aerogel-enhanced products more common in buildings are presented.