Innovative uniform dispersion technology and performance enhancement of SiO2 aerogel-reinforced EPS super-insulation panels for exterior wall

Abstract

Addressing the prevailing challenge in the construction industry, where achieving both high thermal insulation and fire resistance simultaneously remains elusive, this study introduces SiO₂ aerogel as a means to enhance the thermal insulation properties of exterior insulation materials. A novel approach for the uniform dispersion of SiO₂ aerogels within inorganic cementitious matrices is presented. It was observed that when the cellulose ether content was maintained below 0.06 %, high-speed stirring exhibited a notable dispersion effect. The incorporation of cellulose ether markedly enhanced the dispersion uniformity of SiO₂ aerogel in aqueous solutions, while the addition of a surfactant effectively mitigated SiO₂ aerogel agglomeration.

Subsequently, an investigation into the mechanical and rheological attributes of cement-based composites with highly dispersed SiO₂ aerogels was conducted. As the SiO₂ aerogel content increased, the thermal conductivity of these composites progressively decreased, ultimately reaching a minimum value of 0.1517 W/m·K—representing a 73.7 % reduction compared to conventional cement-based materials.

Finally, a fabrication process for highly insulating homogeneous panels was developed. The thermal conductivity of these TEPS (Thermal insulation External Panel System) homogeneous panels also exhibited a decreasing trend with increasing SiO₂ aerogel content, reaching a nadir of 0.04117 W/m·K. This translated into a 23.1 % improvement in thermal insulation performance over standard TEPS homogeneous panels. This innovative super-insulating material marks a significant advancement in the exploration of building materials, paving new avenues for future research.