Low-Density Aerogel vs Traditional Insulation
When it comes to insulation, people have been using traditional materials such as fiberglass, foam board, and cellulose for decades. However, there is a new kid on the block that packs a punch with its tiny molecular structure - Low-Density Aerogel! Here, we are going to compare the benefits of using low-density aerogel vs. traditional insulation.
What is Low-Density Aerogel?
Low-Density Aerogel is a synthetic, nanoporous material composed of about 95% gas by volume. It is considered the lightest solid material on earth and has a remarkably high thermal insulation capacity. Despite its lightweight structure, low-density aerogel is extremely robust and can maintain its structure even when exposed to high pressures.
So, why use Low-Density Aerogel instead of Traditional Material?
Insulation Capacity
When it comes to thermal insulation capacity, low-density aerogel outshines traditional insulation by a wide margin. For example, traditional insulation materials such as fiberglass and cellulose have a thermal conductivity rating of 0.04 - 0.05 W/mK, whereas low-density aerogel has a rating of 0.013 W/mK. This means that low-density aerogel has nearly four times the insulation capacity of traditional insulation materials.
Thickness
Low-density aerogel can provide the same insulation capacity as traditional insulation materials, but with a much thinner layer. For instance, to achieve an insulation capacity of R-13, fiberglass requires a thickness of about 3.5 inches, while low-density aerogel only requires a thickness of half an inch.
Environmentally Friendly
As climate change continues to be a significant concern, more people are looking for ways to reduce their carbon footprint. Low-density aerogel is an environmentally friendly insulation material, as it's composed of up to 99.8% air and doesn't emit any gases during installation.
Conclusion
In conclusion, low-density aerogel outperforms traditional insulation materials regarding thermal insulation, thickness, and environmental sustainability. However, the cost of low-density aerogel is still substantially higher than traditional insulation materials, which may not be financially feasible for all uses. Overall, low-density aerogel is an incredibly promising material for the insulation industry.