Among numerous thermal insulation materials, aerogels have garnered significant attention primarily due to their superior thermal performance. In engineering, thermal conductivity is the primary indicator for evaluating the quality of insulation materials.

The thermal conductivity of aerogels typically ranges from 0.018 to 0.023 W/(m·K). This is lower than that of rock wool (0.035–0.045) and significantly superior to that of rubber and plastics (0.030–0.034). Its superiority stems from two aspects: reduced solid-phase thermal conductivity and near-complete cessation of gas convection, resulting from its micro/nanoporous structure. In essence, the unique microstructure of aerogels almost eliminates the heat conduction mechanism of traditional insulation materials, thus providing better insulation performance at the same thickness.

Besides thermal conductivity, thermal stability is also a crucial parameter. Aerogels maintain structural stability even at high temperatures, with a typical upper temperature resistance limit of 600–650℃. This means it can be used not only for low-temperature insulation, such as LNG pipelines, but also for high-temperature steam pipelines and hot oil systems. Another often overlooked thermal parameter is "long-term thermal conductivity." During long-term operation, the thermal conductivity of a material can change due to compression, moisture absorption, or a loose structure. Aerogels, due to their stable structure, inorganic nature, and good hydrophobic properties, exhibit relatively smaller changes in thermal conductivity, resulting in higher long-term operating efficiency.

Furthermore, heat capacity is another parameter to consider. Aerogels are lightweight, have low specific heat, and exhibit rapid temperature rise, which helps reduce system energy consumption.

In summary, aerogels have significant advantages in terms of thermal parameters, which explains their frequent application in various energy engineering projects.

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