Insulation plays a major role in reducing energy consumption and costs. Innovative insulation materials offer cutting-edge solutions to help reduce your carbon footprint and contribute to a greener future.
Cellulose insulation is a greener option, being made from recycled paper and treated with non-toxic borate compounds to prevent mold growth, pests, and fire. It can be installed in existing walls without removing drywall. It is also water repellent, protecting insulated surfaces and operating components from moisture damage.
Aerogel
Silica aerogel, a material that is translucent and light as air yet strong enough to support a brick, has long been a potential replacement for gas fillers in multi-pane insulating glass units (IGUs). But until recently, it wasn’t practical to fabricate such materials with visible-range transparency, low haze, and mechanical robustness at building-relevant scales and costs.
Aerogel’s remarkable insulative properties are the result of its highly porous structure, low density, and a low thermal conductivity (2 to 2.5 times lower than traditional fiberglass insulation). It can trap particles at hypervelocity, making it ideal for use in cryogenic systems.
The challenge of achieving a commercially viable product, however, has been hindered by the complexity of the aerogel production process. Traditionally, the formation of aerogels involves a complex series of reactions that can only be accomplished through a vacuum, which is impractical for large-scale manufacturing. Despite the challenges, several research groups have succeeded in producing high-performance aerogel insulation with a wide range of applications in different climatic conditions.
Vacuum Insulation Panels (VIPs)
Vacuum insulation panels (VIPs) offer extremely low thermal conductivity rates allowing them to be applied at much thinner panel layers than traditional materials to achieve the same level of thermal resistance, resulting in significant space savings. They can be used for building insulation, air filtration, refrigeration, cold chain logistics, and many other applications.
They are manufactured using a multilayered envelope, consisting of an aluminium layer on each side of the core and a polymer film inside. This encapsulation protects the VIP from environmental stresses and handling procedures, while also preventing water vapour and gas transmissions between the core and the outside environment.
The core material can be either fumed silica or glass fibres. In order to avoid humidity absorption that degrades their performance, opacifiers are often added to the core materials.
VIPs are costly compared to traditional materials, and they are susceptible to the effects of air infiltration over time that worsen their R-value. This can be mitigated by rigorous quality control during manufacturing of the barrier membranes and sealing joins. This will also help to reduce the cost of VIPs, and improve their application.
Polyisocyanurate (Polyiso)
Polyisocyanurate insulation, also known as PIR or polyiso, is a type of closed-cell foam that satisfies energy efficiency regulations, such as building codes and standards. It’s less toxic than many other insulation materials and has a high R-value of 6.5 per inch, making it a cost-effective choice for homeowners. It also functions as a durable weather barrier, helping to reduce moisture and prevent mold from growing in the wall cavity.
In addition to its impressive R-value, polyiso insulation has superior fire resistance, dimensional stability, and a desirable moisture and water resistance, which prevents the growth of unwanted biologicals like mold and other health hazards. Additionally, it is easier to install than spray foam and blanket insulation. As a result, it’s an ideal product for contractors looking to build more energy-efficient homes.
Phase Change Materials (PCMs)
Phase Change Materials (PCMs) are organic or inorganic polymeric, eutectic and crystalline materials with latent heat-storage properties. They absorb energy at a temperature lower than their phase transition point, changing their aggregate state from solid to liquid or gas and then releasing it in a continuous process without the material’s temperature rising.
PCMs can be incorporated into a building’s insulation, enabling it to function as a thermal battery. By absorbing excess heat in warmer periods and releasing it when temperatures drop, these innovative materials can help keep indoor environments optimally comfortable while significantly reducing the building’s energy consumption.
The selection of a suitable PCM for an application is determined by the material’s melting and freezing points, specific heat capacity, density and thermal conductivity. As the demand for energy efficiency increases globally, advances in PCMs will continue to play a vital role in providing sustainable solutions for the world’s energy needs. Moreover, the insulating effects of PCMs can be combined with other insulation materials, enabling them to perform more effectively. For example, a fabric with embedded PCM can be used in combination with wool or earth/clay render finishes.
Airium
Airium is a mineral insulating foam that improves energy efficiency in buildings from the inside out. Foamed on-site from purely local ingredients, it can be used for new building applications and in green retrofitting to extend the lifespan of existing buildings. It is highly fire-resistant and does not release volatile organic compounds (VOCs), making it safe for the occupants of the building.
For a building owner, Airium is an easy choice for new construction or renovation as it fulfills the insulation and sloping functions at the same time and is three to eight times lighter than the alternative systems in use today. It is also a good option for developing countries because it reduces embodied CO2 and is easily recycled at the end of its useful life.
It is also one of the most sustainable options available to builders as it provides best-in-class thermal performance, acoustics, and summer comfort thanks to its great thermal phase shift properties. Closed-cell spray foam also covers all nooks and crannies to eliminate air leakage, a common source of energy loss.