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Spotted: Homes in Britain are some of the most poorly insulated in Europe, losing heat three times faster than those in Germany and Norway. This means that an excessive amount of energy, and therefore money, must be spent to keep them warm.

Now, UK startup Thermulon has developed a new, affordable, and scalable process for producing aerogels – the “most insulating materials known to man.” Aerogels are perfect for insulation because of their structure. Around 95 per cent of the material consists of air, which means heat transfer is extremely low.

Thermulon produces its raw aerogel powder in a chemical process that works at low temperatures and ambient pressure. And unlike some traditional aerogel manufacturing techniques, which are executed in batches, the powder is produced in a continuous stream making
it cheaper and more scalable.

Manufacturers can then incorporate this powder into their own insulation products, including plasters and cladding panels to greatly improve their thermal efficiency. The company also works with electric vehicles, construction, aerospace, and chemical manufacturers.
 
 Research for this product began just a year after the Grenfell Tower fire and safety is also central to Thermulon’s mission. The startup therefore deliberately works with a non-combustible, silica-based material.

Springwise has spotted several insulation innovations including a foam made from bio-polyurethane, insulation made from sheep’s wool, and cellulose-based information made from cardboard.

Written By: Matthew Hempstead