Challenging the traditional "thermal conductivity-only doctrine" in industrial insulation, this paper clarifies that hydrophobicity rate is the critical determinant of aerogel project success in humid environments. Aerogels insulate by trapping air in nanopores, but water’s thermal conductivity is 23 times that of air. Water ingress causes irreversible insulation performance plummets of 60%-75%. It compares hydrophilic, surface-sprayed and integrally modified hydrophobic aerogels, exposes fatal flaws of "fake hydrophobic" products, analyzes common engineering defects, corrects industry misconceptions, and provides core material selection criteria and key construction acceptance points.
Special R&D and Testing Laboratory for Aerogel Coatings，Our laboratory specializes in formula development, material modification, process optimization and physicochemical performance testing of aerogel coatings. Equipped with complete sets of precision analytical and testing instruments, we test core parameters including powder characterization, system dispersion, thermal conductivity, temperature resistance, flame retardancy, weather resistance and mechanical properties. We tackle key technical problems of aerogel coating systems, complete laboratory trials, formula finalization, process verification and finished product inspection, and provide professional technical support for mass production and high-end customized application of aerogel coatings.
Recently, Martin Bentz, CEO of Germany-based Outlast Technologies, shared insights into the company’s business, the development of its core product Aersulate®, and its future potential in an interview with Swedish financial newspaper Dagens Börs. Aerogel textiles are entering a golden age. Outlast leads its commercialization with Aersulate® fibers, cooperating with international brands. Meanwhile, VICTOR New Material, together with Shanghai Textile Institute, develops aerogel coatings for firefighting clothing, which show superior thermal protection in tests. Both reflect the broad prospects of aerogel textiles.
