Applications requiring you to block moisture, heat, or electricity need insulation. Insulation prevents energy from transferring through a surface. More specifically, thermal insulation works to reduce heat transfer. Industries needing to control an environment or applications requiring overheating prevention can use thermal insulation to slow heat transmission to maintain a safer, more comfortable environment. Learn more about thermal insulation from Atlas Fibre.
Applications for Thermal Insulation Materials
Numerous operations require thermal insulation to maintain system functionality. Some of these use cases include:
- Mechanical systems: Space heating and cooling systems distribute air through insulated ductwork or pipes. These systems are often present in industrial and commercial facilities, where the insulation serves to reduce emissions, conserve water, control condensation, ensure equipment performance, and lower energy usage.
- Spacecraft: Reentry and launching put significant heat stress on a spacecraft. Insulators allow systems to remain at an ideal temperature for functioning and prevent heat losses.
- Buildings: Heating and cooling processes require substantial amounts of energy to keep a building comfortable. Thermal insulation works to maintain these temperatures and keep energy usage to a minimum. During warm seasons, tenants can keep cool air in while trapping heat during the colder months.
- Refrigeration: Refrigerators have a thermally insulated chamber and a heat pump. Thermal insulation prevents heating from entering or exiting the enclosure. This process allows the refrigerator to stay cool and protect its contents by slowing heat transfer.
Best Thermal Insulation Composites
Thermal insulating composite materials can resist heat and do not conduct electricity, making them ideal for various applications. Some of the best thermal insulation composites include:
- FR5: This fire-retardant glass epoxy material is excellent when you need mechanical strength and dimensional stability. FR5 can resist high temperatures and prevent the spread of flames. This material is similar to G11 glass epoxy but is better suited for applications needing a fire-retardant material.
- G3: G3 is a glass phenolic laminate made with a high-temperature resin system and woven glass fabric. This material provides impact strength, is highly moisture resistant, and will not melt. G3 is suitable for creating gaskets, oven parts, seals, and many other components.
- CYB: This material is a graphite-filled phenolic. CYB offers self-lubricating features and is a wear-resistant plastic. You can rely on this material for situations requiring thermal stability and high wear resistance.
Selecting Thermal Insulation Materials
You must consider several factors when choosing an insulating material. Factors including operating temperature, flame resistance, mechanical load, type of construction, contact with chemical media, and ambient conditions such as humidity can all affect how well a given material suits a specific purpose.
Additionally, some materials will have a more significant impact on the environment than others. If you’re not certain which type of thermal insulation composite will work best for your specific requirements, it’s best to reach out to an expert.
Find Composites for Thermal Insulation
Atlas Fibre is North America’s dominant supplier of thermoset composite laminate. We proudly serve an extensive range of markets and have the capabilities to turn raw materials into a finished component for your unique applications. Connect with our team to learn more about lead time, availability, price, custom pieces, or any other questions you may have.
