Application and Advantages of Aerogel in Architecture

As a new generation of high-efficiency thermal insulation material, aerogel felt offers outstanding performance in building applications, with clear advantages over traditional insulation solutions.

1. Superior Thermal Insulation Performance

• Thermal Conductivity: 0.018 W/m·K
• Composite Structure: 3–20 mm aerogel glass fiber mat combined with glass fiber needle felt
• Efficiency: 50% thinner than conventional materials, increasing building plot ratio by 3–5%
• Density: 180–220 kg/m³
• Thermal Resistance: Maintains low conductivity at 25 °C

2. Excellent Hydrophobicity

• Hydrophobic Rate: 99.7% throughout its lifecycle
• Comparison: Rock wool hydrophobicity declines within 3 years, while aerogel felt maintains long-term moisture resistance
• Certification: Passed ASTM C1104 water vapor transmission test

3. A1-Level Fire Protection

• Temperature Resistance: Up to 600 °C
• Certification: GB 8624-2012 A1 combustion performance standard
• Safety: No open flame or molten droplets; flame spread reduced by 80%

4. Long Lifecycle and Reduced Maintenance

• Service Life: Over 25 years (vs. 5–8 years for traditional materials)
• Cost Efficiency: 60% reduction in lifetime maintenance expenses

5. Green Construction Benefits

• Installation Efficiency: Easy trimming increases construction speed by 40%
• Certification: Passed LEED v4.1 material recycling assessment

6. Multi-Functional Added Value

• Sound Insulation: NRC 0.85 (125–4000 Hz)
• Seismic Performance: Elastic modulus >1.2 MPa (JG/T 536-2017)

Aerogel enhances soundproofing, reduces noise pollution, and improves comfort. Its long service life ensures consistent insulation performance and lower maintenance costs. As a green building material, it can be applied as coatings, composite panels, and prefabricated elements to improve energy efficiency, ease installation, reduce fire hazards, and enhance safety.

Comparison with Other Insulation Materials

Below is an overview of 20+ commonly used insulation materials in construction, with their thermal conductivity and key features:

1. Vacuum Insulation Panel (VIP) – λ = 0.008 W/m·K; unmatched insulation but sensitive to damage, complex installation.
2. Aerogel Composite – λ = 0.020 W/m·K; lightweight, non-combustible, waterproof, soundproof, high strength.
3. Polyurethane Foam – λ = 0.024 W/m·K; excellent waterproofing, easy to install, mostly B1/B2 fire rating.
4. Extruded Polystyrene (XPS) – λ = 0.030 W/m·K; rigid closed-cell foam, moisture-resistant.
5. Inorganic Polymer Board – λ = 0.030 W/m·K; fire-resistant A-grade, good sealing.
6. Phenolic Board – λ = 0.032 W/m·K; low thermal conductivity, widely used in Japan.
7. Graphite EPS – λ = 0.033 W/m·K; improved fire resistance and thermal performance.
8. Rubber Insulation – λ = 0.035–0.040 W/m·K; flexible, waterproof, good for HVAC.
9. Modified Polyphenyl “Gold Board” – λ = 0.036 W/m·K; A2 fire resistance, energy storage capability.
10. Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) – λ = 0.039 W/m·K; mature, cost-effective, but flammable.
11. Rock Wool Board – λ = 0.040 W/m·K; excellent fire resistance but absorbs moisture.
12. Inorganic Fiber Spray – λ = 0.040 W/m·K; lightweight, non-toxic, fire-resistant.
13. Gas-Condensate Insulation – λ = 0.040 W/m·K; eco-friendly, absorbs CO₂, but low strength.
14. Glass Wool Board – λ = 0.042 W/m·K; lightweight, sound-absorbing, corrosion-resistant.
15. Magnesium-Aluminum Silicate Board – λ = 0.045 W/m·K; durable, non-combustible.
16. HX Composite Board – λ = 0.045 W/m·K; EPS with embedded fire-resistant agents.
17. Foam Glass Board – λ = 0.045 W/m·K; waterproof, long-lasting, high price.
18. Polystyrene Particle Mortar – λ = 0.058 W/m·K; low performance, high water absorption.
19. Fiber-Reinforced Composite Board – λ = 0.065 W/m·K; high strength, good fire resistance.
20. Foam Cement Board – λ = 0.065–0.070 W/m·K; low cost, poor insulation.
21. Inorganic Mortar Prefab Board – λ = 0.065–0.070 W/m·K; stable quality but lower insulation performance.

There is no perfect insulation material, but aerogel’s balance of thermal performance, durability, fire safety, and environmental benefits makes it a superior choice for high-performance, sustainable building design. Quality also depends heavily on manufacturing, design, and skilled installation—factors in which CN Watching is committed to innovation and excellence.