An overview of factors influencing thermal conductivity of building insulation materials

TLDR

The energy‑saving potential of modern buildings hinges on the thermal conductivity of insulation, which must remain stable over time to reduce consumption and environmental impact. This study investigates the factors that influence the thermal conductivity of conventional, alternative, and advanced insulation materials. The authors examined how moisture content, temperature difference, bulk density, and other variables such as airflow velocity, thickness, pressure, and aging affect thermal conductivity across these material groups. They found that moisture, temperature, and density are the main determinants, with additional effects from airflow, thickness, pressure, and aging, and they highlighted uncertainties in the thermal conductivity values of common insulation products.

Abstract

Solving the matter of traditional energy consumption and finding the proper alternative resources are vital keys to a sustainable development policy. In recent years, many different thermal insulation materials have been developed for better energy efficiency and less environment damage. These products have confirmed their usefulness in buildings due to their benefits such as low density, high thermal resistance, and cost effectiveness. The efficiency of thermal insulation depends on their thermal conductivity and their ability to maintain their thermal characteristics over a period of time. This study presents factors influencing the thermal conductivity coefficient of three main groups including conventional, alternative, and new advanced materials. The most common factors are moisture content, temperature difference, and bulk density. Other factors are explained in some dependent studies such as airflow velocity, thickness, pressure, and material aging. The relationship between the thermal conductivity values with the mean temperature, moisture content, and density which were obtained from experimental investigation has also been summarized. Finally, uncertainty about the thermal conductivity value of some common insulation materials is also reviewed as the basis of selecting or designing the products used in building envelopes.