Application and Advantages of Aerogel Coating in Building Energy Conservation
Table of Contents
Current Status of Exterior Wall Insulation
Most buildings constructed between the 1990s and 2008 lack insulation measures, resulting in substandard energy efficiency and higher energy consumption. Commonly used building insulation materials, such as EPS (expanded polystyrene), XPS (extruded polystyrene), and phenolic foam board, follow an exterior insulation structure. This involves attaching insulation boards to the base wall with mortar, reinforced with mesh fabric. However, these materials suffer from drawbacks such as flammability (fire rating below A level, poor fire performance), susceptibility to failure (significant reduction in insulation effectiveness in humid conditions), detachment (thermal expansion and contraction causing exterior surface detachment), and complex construction processes. Therefore, there is an urgent need to explore and promote a superior performance new type of building insulation material.
Advantages of Aerogel Coating for Exterior Wall Insulation
Aerogel is a porous non-crystalline solid material composed of nanoscale colloidal particles or polymer molecules. It is the lightest solid material in the world, possessing characteristics like thermal insulation, fire resistance, corrosion resistance, and adsorption. Widely utilized in aviation, military, industry, and civilian fields, incorporating aerogel into coatings imparts outstanding properties, making it a promising solution for building energy conservation.
Thermal Insulation and Energy Efficiency: According to tests, a 3mm aerogel insulation coating achieves a thermal resistance value of 0.8-0.9m²·K/W. Translated into thermal resistance value definition, using a 3mm aerogel coating is equivalent to a 60mm traditional insulation board.
Safety: Aerogel coatings can achieve A2-level fire resistance for buildings, surpassing the fire resistance level of traditional insulation materials. Additionally, aerogel coatings exhibit strong crack resistance, preventing cracks or detachment of insulation materials and exterior surfaces due to thermal expansion and contraction.
Environmentally Friendly: Aerogel coatings are water-based nanomaterials, free of VOCs (volatile organic compounds), and non-toxic. With its high surface area, aerogel coatings can effectively replace diatomaceous earth, acting as a pollutant absorber in indoor environments.
Simple Construction Process: The construction process for aerogel materials involves only 5 steps, significantly reducing complexity compared to the 7-15 steps required for traditional insulation materials. Utilizing spray application further decreases construction difficulty, shortening the construction period and ensuring safety.
Easy to Clean: The smooth surface of aerogel coatings resists stains, making them less prone to adherence, and facilitating easy cleaning through wiping or water washing.
Long Lifespan: Traditional materials have a lifespan of 3-5 years, whereas aerogel materials can last up to 15 years, reducing maintenance costs and time.
Cost-Effectiveness: Aerogel coatings are reasonably priced compared to traditional insulation materials. Their superior thermal insulation performance makes them more cost-effective under equivalent conditions.
