Advanced insulating materials

This chapter focuses on the most innovative solutions for thermal insulation of opaque closures in new and existing buildings, with an in-depth look at future prospects and developments. Most advanced thermal insulating materials, including nanoporous materials such as aerogel, and vacuum insulating panels are presented, providing a comprehensive analysis of different products available on the market, their advantages and disadvantages, possible applications in the building envelope, and future developments. Different next-generation biobased insulating materials (algae, mushrooms, wooden foam, etc.) are described, with particular attention to low environmental impact and reuse/recycle possibility. The main transparent insulating materials and their applications are discussed, comparing their performance to traditional insulating glass units.