Insulation professionals are constantly working to keep up with the latest technology. This is mainly due to ever-tightening environmental and green-building standards.
A growing emphasis on sustainability has led to the development of insulation made from recycled and renewable materials. These are more cost-effective, while reducing the overall impact on the environment.
Aerogel
Aerogel is a super-porous material that has several remarkable properties. It is light and very low-density and acts as a good insulator. It is made of silica gel (the same stuff that makes sand) and air. It has a high porosity of 99.8% and a very low thermal conductivity, which means it is an extremely good insulator.
Scientists are working on ways to use aerogels in the construction of buildings. They want to make them transparent and energy efficient. They are also trying to develop a way to make them stronger and cheaper.
One possibility is to add granular aerogels to concrete. They could be added to the cement during mixing and would give it better insulation. Another possibility is to use them as a coating on windows. This would allow sunlight to pass through while preventing heat from escaping.
Researchers are also experimenting with using aerogels to insulate skylights. They have developed a method that allows them to produce aerogels with a controlled surface texture. This method uses a chemical treatment to make the aerogel hydrophobic. This will protect it from degradation, which is caused by moisture penetration. The researchers have also been able to determine the ideal combination of controllable aerogel properties, such as particle size and density, to achieve a desired haze and transmittance.
Vacuum Insulated Panels
Vacuum Insulated Panels, or VIPs, utilize the insulating effect of a vacuum. They are an insulation innovation that is currently gaining popularity. They are thinner than traditional insulation materials, making them ideal for areas where space is limited. Additionally, they are more energy efficient than conventional insulation products.
A VIP consists of a rigid thermal insulation panel hermetically enclosed in a gas-tight film. During the manufacturing process, air is evacuated from the core, which reduces its thermal conductivity to less than zero. Additionally, the film is coated with a low-emissivity surface, which further limits heat transfer through radiation. VIPs outperform most alternative insulation products in like-for-like tests and provide reliable performance on a long-term basis.
Moreover, the rapid industrialization and urbanization in Asia-Pacific countries are driving construction activities, which in turn is boosting the market for VIPs. Moreover, the growth in e-commerce and cold chain logistics is also anticipated to propel the market for this insulation innovation.
However, the conflict between Russia and Ukraine may impact the global supply of raw materials needed for the production of VIPs. This could result in the delay of production and delivery, thus limiting the market growth. Furthermore, the volatile pricing of raw materials is another factor that could hamper the growth of this market. A higher price of raw material will lead to a rise in the final product’s cost, which could hamper the demand for these panels.
Insulated Concrete Formwork
One of the more popular innovations in insulation is insulated concrete formwork (ICF). This method of building combines the strength of reinforced concrete with the energy efficiency of expanded or extruded polystyrene (EPS or XPS) plastic foam. The concrete is poured inside of the foam, which acts as a form. The concrete cures and hardens within the foam, which is a solid, durable material that provides superior insulating qualities.
This construction technique has several benefits for both homeowners and builders. It allows contractors to create walls that are stronger and more durable than traditional straight-line forms. It also decreases the potential for air bubbles to form in the concrete, which can lead to problems in the future that would require costly repairs. ICFs can be stacked and set in place by a single crew, which speeds up the construction process.
The ICF system can be used to build a variety of different structures, from commercial buildings to residential homes. They are available in a number of sizes and can be adapted to suit the needs of the individual project. The most common types of ICFs are a “flat” system that yields a wall that is a continuous thickness of concrete, and a grid or post-and-beam system with a waffle pattern of concrete. Some systems include hinges in their ties that allow them to fold flat for less expensive shipping.
Smart Technology
The technology behind insulation may seem simple or old fashioned, but the industry requires a wide range of mathematic and scientific principles to create the best products. The research and development of new materials, equipment and methods is a huge part of the business. This means that there are plenty of opportunities for engineers to make a difference in the industry and help build a sustainable future for homes, businesses, and the planet.
Mechanical and electrical engineering are two of the most commonly employed disciplines within the insulation world. However, a number of other engineering disciplines are also widely applied such as Civil Engineering, Construction Engineering, Safety Engineering, Energy Engineering, Structural Engineering and Chemical Engineering.
Moreover, the latest innovations in insulation include smart materials that automatically adjust to environmental conditions. These advanced materials use sensors and microprocessors to identify the presence of air, water, smoke, gases, dust or other contaminants. When they detect these elements, the building owners are alerted and steps can be taken to minimise the damage and protect the people inside the building.
Knauf Insulation is also developing green solutions to improve the sustainability of buildings. For example, it has created a new system called RESULATION to recycle scrap mineral wool from building sites and plant production lines. This helps to avoid sending waste to landfill and saves the company hundreds of thousands of euros in disposal costs.