ANALYSIS OF QUALITY INDICATORS OF THERMAL INSULATION MATERIALS AND METHODS FOR THEIR IMPROVEMENT
Abstract
DOI: https://doi.org/10.26565/2079-1747-2026-37-06
The article examines modern approaches to assessing the quality of thermal insulation materials used in the enclosing structures of buildings and civil engineering works. It is shown that, under increasing requirements for energy efficiency, durability, fire safety, and environmental performance, thermal insulation should be assessed not only by its thermal conductivity coefficient, but also by a set of interrelated indicators. The key quality indicators include thermal conductivity, thermal resistance, density, water absorption, vapor permeability, compressive strength, stability of properties over time, fire resistance, environmental friendliness, and manufacturability. The expediency of using a comprehensive quality indicator is substantiated, since it makes it possible to simultaneously take several criteria into account and ensures a more accurate comparison of traditional and innovative thermal insulation materials.
Modern scientific publications devoted to conventional insulation materials, bio-based fibrous materials, aerogels, vacuum insulation panels, waste-based composites, as well as phase-change materials, are analyzed. It has been established that improving the quality of thermal insulation materials is achieved through three main groups of methods: modification of the material structure, introduction of functional additives, and improvement of design and technological solutions. The most effective methods include controlling porosity and pore size, hydrophobization, flame-retardant modification, fiber reinforcement, the use of aerogel and vacuum components, and the formation of multilayer and hybrid systems.
It is shown that each method has not only advantages but also limitations. For example, reducing thermal conductivity is often accompanied by a decrease in mechanical strength, while improving moisture resistance may complicate vapor exchange. A system for the formalized description of individual and comprehensive quality indicators is proposed, which can be applied to the comparative analysis of thermal insulation materials at the stages of design, selection, and operation. The results of the study can be used in the development of new thermal insulation composites, in the selection of effective insulation materials for energy-efficient buildings, and in improving methods for the multicriteria assessment of their operational suitability.
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References
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