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Better insulation than fiberglass

Better insulation than fiberglass

Better insulation than fiberglass

(OP)
What are some insulators that have lower conductivity than fiberglass?  Something between fiberglass and aerogel basically.  Obviously it will cost more than fiberglass, but nothing NASA grade.  Temp gradient is 350F to 68F.

-Plasmech

Mechanical Engineer, Plastics Industry

RE: Better insulation than fiberglass

How much do you want to spend and how much do you need?  What performance do you need; closer to aerogel or fiberglass?

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RE: Better insulation than fiberglass

(OP)
Well, I'm looking for a thermal conductivity half that of fiberglass.  Basically I had a 4" insulation space get cut down to 2" and need to work around it.  Cost wise...not sure.   

-Plasmech

Mechanical Engineer, Plastics Industry

RE: Better insulation than fiberglass

So, basically double the R-value, which is pretty close to silica aerogel.  You might look here to see some alternatives.  Foam insulations appear to be viable candidates.

A much more expensive alternative is a commercial vacuum insulated panel using aerogel as the fill: http://www.glacierbay.com/products/thermal_insulation.html It's supposed to be R-50 per INCH!.  The cost, while expensive, isn't necessarily prohibitive: http://www.glacierbay.com/products/ultra_R_pricing.html

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RE: Better insulation than fiberglass

(OP)
Are there any foam products which will beat fiberglass?  Something filled with a gas less conductive than air perhaps?   

-Plasmech

Mechanical Engineer, Plastics Industry

RE: Better insulation than fiberglass

(OP)
Thinsulate looks interesting.  I wonder if there is anywhere I can buy that, almost seems like it would only come in "textile" forms...

Most of the other stuff (like polyurethane) won't work because of the temperature requirement: 350F.

-Plasmech

Mechanical Engineer, Plastics Industry

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