Best Thermal Insulator
What is the best thermal insulator? Today, there are many substances that can be counted in this class. Although each can insulate heat, the efficiency they provide is not the same. If you are looking for the best solution, aerogel offers the best options.
It is the solids of the liquid component in a gel that has been replaced by air. It is also known today as “frozen smoke” or “blue smoke” because of its appearance. It was first made in 1931 using silica gel. The important feature of Aerogel is that it is very light. On the other hand, it has a very good insulator. Today, NASA also uses them in its work.
What are the Physical Properties of Aerogel?
Thermal insulation materials are very rich. Among them, the most powerful substance used today is Aerogel.
Their surface consists of millions of tiny holes. It resembles a sponge and consists of 99.8 percent air. Its insulation ratio is so good that it does not pass heat. It can also insulate the fire directly given by the oxygen source well.
It can insulate approximately 39 times more than the most advanced fiberglass material. Although the word “gel” is mentioned in the name, they are solid, hard and dry substances. Therefore, it has a fragile structure. Therefore, when you press it, it will break like glass.
Aerogel, one of the best thermal insulation material options, has an almost weightless structure. A 16 cubic centimetre aerogel can be spread over a football field.
Aerogels, which are breathable and non-flammable, are hydrophilic. Therefore, it can also absorb oil and water. However, as soon as it absorbs water, its form deteriorates and its properties are lost. Therefore, nowadays it is rendered hydrophobic.
Where is Aerogel Used?
Thermal insulation materials have a very wide structure. One of them is aerogels. Due to its superior properties, it is frequently seen in the space industry today.
It is used in the isolation of electronic devices inside the exploration vehicles used on Mars. It is also used to pick up fragments scattered from comets. However, it is not limited to these. It is used in many places from thickening agents to make-up products, from cigarette filters to insulation materials.
Silicone manufacturers, paints, rockets, diving suits and firefighting suits are among the places where they are used. In this respect, aerogel, which is the best thermal insulator, is used in many places today.
Thermal Insulation Material
Thermal insulation materials are not limited to aerogel only. Also included in Fiberglass Insulation. It is one of the most widely used insulation materials today.
Because of the way it’s made, it can weave thin strips of glass into the insulating material nicely. Thus, it can reduce the heat transfer to the minimum level.
However, it also has some disadvantages in terms of usage. It is made with finely woven silicone. Therefore, there are small glass fragments and glass dust. May cause damage to eyes, lungs and skin if applied without wearing safety equipment.
Mineral Wool
Mineral wool is among the thermal insulation materials. It has different types. Glass wool produced from glass is still in use today. Apart from this, there is also rock wool made of basalt.
Cellulose
Cellulose is one of the most environmentally friendly insulation materials today. Because it is produced from recycled paper, cardboard and similar materials. It comes loose. It is frequently preferred to minimize the damage caused by fire.
Polyurethane Foam
Polyurethane foam is used in many places today. It is one of the best thermal insulator options and has a light structure. It is widely used because it is fire resistant.
