Aerogel Insulation Products
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Aerogel insulation is a lightweight, high-performance insulating material that reduces heat transfer with minimal thickness. It typically combines silica aerogel—a highly porous solid containing mostly air—with reinforcing fibres to create flexible blankets or other insulation products.
Its low thermal conductivity makes it useful where space and weight are limited. Common applications include industrial pipes, tanks, buildings, electric vehicles and battery systems. Temperature resistance, water repellency and fire performance depend on the specific product.
What is Aerogel ?
Aerogel is an ultra-lightweight, highly porous material made by replacing the liquid in a gel with gas while preserving its solid structure. Its tiny pores limit heat transfer, making it an excellent thermal insulator.
Silica aerogel is widely used in insulation blankets, boards and tapes, providing effective thermal protection with minimal thickness and weight. Applications include buildings, industrial pipelines, equipment, electric vehicles and battery energy storage systems.
Key Properties of Aerogel Insulation
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Low thermal conductivity: Provides excellent thermal insulation with a thin layer of material.
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Space-saving: Requires less thickness than many conventional insulation materials for comparable thermal performance.
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Lightweight: Adds minimal weight to equipment, structures and assemblies.
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Wide temperature capability: Available in grades designed for cryogenic, ambient or high-temperature applications.
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Water-repellent: Many silica aerogel products resist liquid water absorption while allowing water vapour to pass through.
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Flexible: Reinforced aerogel blankets can wrap around pipes, tanks and curved surfaces.
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Fire performance: Certain grades offer low combustibility and fire protection, subject to product testing and certification.
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Versatile formats: Available as blankets, boards, tapes and custom-cut components.
Price of Aerogel in India
Aerogel insulation prices in India range from ₹1,350–₹2,150 per m² for 5 mm thickness, ₹1,550–₹2,450 per m² for 6 mm thickness, and ₹2,450–₹3,850 per m² for 10 mm thickness. These correspond to approximately ₹125–₹200, ₹144–₹228, and ₹228–₹358 per sq. ft., respectively.
Prices are indicative for project orders of 100 m² or more and exclude GST, freight and installation. Final pricing depends on the product grade, temperature rating and order quantity.
Frequently Asked Questions About Aerogel
1. What is aerogel?
Aerogel is an extremely lightweight, porous solid made by replacing the liquid in a gel with gas while preserving its structure. Its tiny pores help reduce heat transfer, making it an effective insulating material.
2. What is aerogel insulation?
Aerogel insulation combines aerogel with reinforcing materials, such as fibres, to produce practical insulation blankets, boards, tapes and custom-cut components.
3. What is the difference between silica aerogel and aerogel insulation blankets?
Silica aerogel is the porous insulating material itself. Aerogel blankets incorporate it into a reinforced fibre structure, making the insulation easier to handle, cut and install.
4. What are the main benefits of aerogel insulation?
Aerogel insulation offers low thermal conductivity, reduced insulation thickness and low weight. Flexible blanket formats can fit around pipes, equipment and curved surfaces.
5. Where is aerogel insulation used?
Applications include industrial pipelines, tanks, buildings, HVAC systems, cold equipment, electric vehicles and battery energy storage systems. Each application requires a suitable product grade.
6. Is aerogel insulation better than mineral wool?
Aerogel generally achieves comparable thermal resistance at a lower thickness than conventional mineral wool. Mineral wool usually costs less, so the choice depends on available space, operating temperature and project requirements.
7. Is aerogel insulation waterproof?
Many silica aerogel insulation products are hydrophobic, meaning they repel liquid water. However, this does not make the complete insulation system waterproof. Outdoor and cold-service installations may still require protective cladding, sealed joints or a vapour barrier.
8. Is aerogel insulation fireproof?
“Fireproof” is not an appropriate description for all aerogel products. Combustibility and fire performance vary with the formulation, reinforcement and facing. A fire-resistance rating must be supported by testing of the relevant product or complete assembly.
9. What temperatures can aerogel insulation withstand?
Temperature limits vary by grade. Some products are designed for cryogenic service, while others suit high-temperature industrial equipment. Always check the specified minimum and maximum service temperatures.
10. What thickness of aerogel insulation do I need?
The required thickness depends on operating temperature, ambient conditions, surface-temperature limits, heat-loss targets and condensation control. A thermal calculation helps determine the correct thickness.
11. Can aerogel insulation prevent condensation?
Correctly designed aerogel insulation can help control surface condensation by keeping the outer surface above the surrounding air’s dew point. Cold applications also require appropriate vapour control and properly sealed joints.
12. Can aerogel be used in EV batteries and BESS?
Specially engineered aerogel components can provide thermal insulation between cells or around battery modules. Their ability to delay thermal propagation must be validated through testing of the battery design.
13. Is aerogel insulation safe to handle?
Cutting and handling some aerogel products can release dust that irritates the skin, eyes or respiratory tract. Follow the product’s safety data sheet and recommended protective measures.
14. How is aerogel insulation installed?
Blankets are typically cut to size, fitted around the surface and secured using suitable bands, pins or other specified fixings. Joint treatment, weather protection and vapour barriers depend on the application.
15. How much does aerogel insulation cost?
Pricing depends on the product grade, thickness, quantity, format and performance requirements. Compare quotations at the same thickness and specification, and consider installation costs alongside material costs.
16. How long does aerogel insulation last?
Service life depends on operating conditions, correct installation and protection against mechanical damage and moisture ingress. Inspection and maintenance requirements should follow the manufacturer’s guidance.