Aerogel
The lightest solid material in the world. Composed of over 95% air trapped in a nanometric silica lattice, it offers maximum insulating performance at millimetre thicknesses, blocking heat transfer at the molecular level.
Pore size (20-50 nm) is smaller than the mean free path of air molecules at atmospheric pressure. Air molecules cannot move, making air itself the perfect insulator — the Knudsen Effect.
Originating in aerospace-industry laboratories to insulate rovers on Mars, aerogel is the definitive solution to the problem of thermal bridges and thickness constraints. It insulates in a single centimetre as much as traditional materials do in four.
Silica aerogel is obtained by replacing the liquid of a silicon gel with a gas, creating a solid structure that is up to 99.8% air. Its pores (20-50 nanometres) are smaller than the mean free path of air molecules at atmospheric pressure. The molecules become literally trapped and, unable to move or collide, heat transmission by gaseous convection is reduced to zero (Knudsen effect), guaranteeing a lambda conductivity of just 0.015 W/mK.
In its pure state, aerogel is a hyper-fragile glassy fragment. To make it usable in construction, it is infused into flexible glass-fibre or PET meshes (the so-called blankets). This produces rolls 5-20 mm thick, very easy to glue. Being an inorganic material, aerogel is completely water-repellent yet highly vapour-permeable, preventing mould and keeping its insulating performance unaltered even in conditions of extreme humidity.
Standards
European and international references applicable.
Physical properties
Usage environment
When cutting aerogel blankets, amorphous silica dust is released. Although not fibro-toxic or carcinogenic, it is a powerful mechanical desiccant for mucous membranes. Use of safety glasses, gloves and P3 dust mask is mandatory during cutting.
Documented applications
TAV. DHistoric centre restoration
Invisible internal cladding systems 1-2cm thick that do not steal floor area and comply with heritage building restrictions.
Thermal bridge resolution
Ultra-thin strips glued to window reveals (spallette) to eliminate condensation and winter mould.
Translucent insulating panels
Polycarbonate or double-glazed panels filled with Nanogel aerogel granules to diffuse light while insulating.
Thin underfloor heating systems
Ultra-thin 10mm insulation laid under radiant heating serpentine coils during renovation works with limited floor height.
Thickness Needed for U = 0.20 W/m2K (nZEB) — shorter bar = more efficient
TAV. ELower thickness needed means more saved floor space. Despite high cost per m2, aerogel is economically advantageous in urban areas where recovering interior cubic metres (or respecting external eaves lines) is critical.
Reference regulations
2 norms- D.Lgs. 192/2005Implementation of Directive 2002/91/EC on the energy performance of buildingsIn force
- D.M. 26/06/2015Minimum energy-performance requirements for buildings (the 'minimum requirements decree')In force
Informational links to the regulatory framework. Always verify the current text on the official source.
Operational documents from this sheet
Specification clauses, site checklists and compliance dossiers generated from the graph — and kept in sync when a cited norm changes. Join the waiting list.
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