Well, now I know what I *want* to use for insulation....

[Zaskoda]

Aerogel

http://www.treehugger.com/files/2010/02 ... lation.php

Aerogel, also known as Frozen Smoke, is quite an interesting material. It has the lowest bulk density of any known porous solid, it is mostly transparent but feels a bit like Styrofoam to the touch, and it has remarkable thermal insulation properties (NASA has used it on the Mars Rover and space suits). But it's always been too expensive for most large scale uses... And that might be changing.



Aspen Aerogels has started selling aerogel blankets for use as insulation in buildings.

"Aspen Aeorgels says that its Spaceloft blankets have two to four times the insulating value per inch compared to fiberglass or foam. It's also relatively easy to work with, allows water vapor to pass through, and is fire resistant--a common demonstration of aerogels is to have a person fire a Bunsen burner below the aerogel while putting a hand on the top side." (source)

The fact that it's just 2 to 4 times better than fiberglass or foam makes me think that they paid a pretty big performance price to bring costs down, since pure aerogel would provider higher thermal insulation, but it's still a pretty big step in the right direction. We're not talking about a few percent improvement. Over time, in a big building, this could represent a lot of heat that would otherwise leak out (or heat that would leak in when the air conditioning is on).

Other companies that are coming out with more affordable aerogel derivatives to be used as building insulation are Cabot and Thermablok.

I wouldn't be surprised if in a few years (or decades at most) very high-quality aerogel was used almost everywhere for insulation. Unless we make something even better, that is.

[bmcd]

I was just reading an article about aerogel wondering if I could insulate my unfinished van with it. I've got a sample coming from one of the manufacturers but I figure the cost will be prohibitive. I'll post what I find out.

[jage]

We could all get samples from the manufacturer and send them to you...

[bmcd]

classic!

[JamesB]

I was having the guys an Vanture (aftermarket van outfitter) in Denver do some work on my van, and they showed me a custom build they were doing for another customer. I believe the customer talked them into using this Aerogel for the insulation, and they said it was absolutely the worst stuff to work with. When cut, tiny pieces floated into every crevice in the shop and it took them a very long time to get rid of it, out of the tools, out of their clothes, lungs, etc. They have officially "banned" it from their shop.

My advice would be that before considering using this stuff for any van insulation project, try working with a small piece of it first, possibly outside, to make sure it is suitable. Particularly given the cost.