Innovative insulation materials are transforming the construction industry, offering superior thermal performance and other benefits. These cutting-edge solutions can reduce energy usage, creating comfortable and sustainable living and working spaces.
From spray foam to aerogel blankets, polyisocyanurate foam and cellulose insulation, these innovative insulation materials offer remarkable thermal efficiency. They are also eco-friendly, reducing carbon emissions and contributing to a greener future.
Aerogel
Aerogel is a class of porous, solid materials that exhibit an impressive array of extreme properties. It is the lightest material in the world and in some forms appears almost cloud-like. It is also extremely flexible and can be molded into different shapes. Its low thermal conductivity makes it a good choice for insulation, as it can be used in thinner blankets than traditional fillers.
Its unique structure creates a chain of pores filled with air that enhances its insulating properties. It is also water repellent, which protects insulating and operating components from moisture damage and corrosion. This feature also reduces maintenance costs.
Although aerogel has many benefits, it is difficult to manufacture due to its fragile nature and high price. It is hoped that improvements in production processes will make the material more affordable. A new process that uses a low-temperature process can be used to improve the stability of silica aerogels, allowing them to be fabricated at a lower cost. This method could lead to a wider commercial use of the material in building construction, energy efficiency, and other applications.
Vacuum Insulation Panels
Vacuum insulation panels (VIP) are a new generation of thermal insulation materials that use the natural insulating properties of vacuum in a board shape. They can insulate up to ten times better than traditional and state-of-the-art insulation materials with the same material thickness. Their extremely low thermal conductivity rate allows for smaller wall construction and lower energy demands.
The VIP’s rigid core is hermetically sealed inside an evacuated gas impermeable outer envelope. This design ensures that water, moisture and gases cannot enter the panel, ensuring its long-term performance and low thermal conductivity rates. The VIP’s outer envelope is made from a multilayer film that can be produced using roll-to-roll technology.
Homeowners can significantly reduce their carbon footprint by switching to a more sustainable insulation material, like VIPs. ORNL researchers are developing a self-healing barrier film for VIPs that can instantly repair punctures, protecting the material from damage and maintaining its insulating properties. This self-healing technology would be beneficial for all types of buildings, as it could reduce the risk of leakage and protect against weather damage.
Cellulose
Whether in new construction or in retrofitting an older home, cellulose insulation is an eco-friendly choice. It is made up to 85% of recycled paper materials and uses less energy in manufacturing than other insulation products. Cellulose is also very good at fitting around items in walls such as pipes and wiring, making it very effective for reducing air leakage. Studies have shown that cellulose can reduce energy consumption by 26.4% compared to fiberglass.
In addition to lowering energy costs, cellulose has good soundproofing properties. It is also a healthy option, as it doesn’t contain any asbestos or formaldehyde, which can have negative health effects. It is also a great choice for sustainable homeowners, as it is easy to recycle and a greener alternative to other insulating materials.
One downside of cellulose is that it can wet easily, so undetected water leaks must be addressed. When it does wet, cellulose loses its thermal properties, which can lead to expensive damage in the future. To minimize this problem, proper installation is critical. Moreover, wet insulation can cause metal fasteners and plumbing pipes to corrode over time.
Polyisocyanurate foam
Polyisocyanurate foam (also known as PIR or polyiso) is one of the most popular forms of insulation. It is a rigid closed-cell foam board insulation product that can be installed in both walls and roofs. This insulation is incredibly versatile and offers superior energy efficiency with an R-value of 5 to 6 per inch.
In addition to its superior thermal performance, it also boasts low moisture absorption and high resistance to vapor transmission. It is also a non-asphaltic insulation, which makes it compatible with most construction adhesives.
Polyiso insulation is a great option for high-performance stud wall designs because it does not require an additional vapor retarder or barrier. However, it does not perform well in extremely cold climates and may be damaged by frost. It also has a tendency to lose its R-value as it gets colder, causing it to degrade more quickly than other insulation products. Its foil facing, however, does help to keep moisture out of stud wall assemblies. This helps to reduce the risk of condensation and promotes a healthier building environment.
Phase change materials
Phase change materials have a unique physical characteristic that allows them to absorb and release latent thermal energy very efficiently. During the process of melting and solidification, they can absorb large amounts of energy, which they then disperse at a lower temperature. Hydrated salts, paraffin waxes, and metal alloys are some of the most popular PCMs.
Incorporating PCM into building materials can significantly reduce the energy consumption of buildings. The inclusion of PCMs into concrete prevents a rise in its temperature, which improves workability and reduces the corrosive damage on steel embedded in it. This also enhances the material’s strength and ductility.
These materials can be incorporated into building structures through direct incorporation, immersion, or micro-encapsulation. The most common form of direct incorporation is soaking the building element in liquid PCM, which then enters its open pores thanks to capillary forces. Micro-encapsulation involves a layer of polymeric materials that protects the PCM and provides shape stability. Other methods include blending the PCM into building materials or adding it as an additive. Research has shown that PCM-enriched building materials have a lower environmental impact throughout their lifetimes compared to those without PCMs.