Thermal stability investigations of different aerogel insulation materials at elevated temperature

Super thermal insulation materials with low thermal conductivities, such as aerogels and vacuum insulation panels, are increasingly pushing conventional thermal insulations out of the market. Super insulation materials such as aerogels can be used easily on both vehicles and buildings. Nowadays, their usage by pipes transporting hot medium is also widespread. In these environments where elevated temperatures (100-250 degrees C) are applied, it is a basic requirement that they should keep their excellent thermal insulating capability. In this study, a comprehensive examination performed on two new silica-aerogel type insulations is presented. We investigated the change in the thermal performance of different types of aerogel insulations (Slentex and Pyrogel) after thermal annealing, ageing them at 150 and 250 degrees C temperatures for 1 day. After these thermal treatments, their thermal parameters such as thermal conductivities and specific heat capacities were measured. We revealed that both the thermal conductivity and the specific heat capacity for the Pyrogel changed considerably after annealing, while for Slentex the thermal conductivity remained constant and the specific heat capacity changed. To understand these changes we executed calorimetry tests and microscopic inspections with different methods. These experiments were completed with X-ray diffractometry to analyze the possible structural changes in the samples. From an application point of view, we consider the importance of these results, since they predict the lifetime of the used insulating material during their industrial use.

Automated summary

Super thermal insulation materials with low thermal conductivities like aerogels and vacuum insulation panels are displacing conventional thermal insulations in the market. These super insulation materials can be easily applied to vehicles, buildings, and pipes transporting hot medium. This study presents a comprehensive examination of two new silica-aerogel type insulations and investigates their thermal performance changes after thermal annealing. The results show significant changes in thermal conductivity and specific heat capacity for Pyrogel after annealing, while Slentex maintains constant thermal conductivity but changes in specific heat capacity.