Aerogel and rubber-plastic insulation materials are frequently used insulation products in building energy conservation, industrial equipment insulation, and HVAC systems. As engineering scenarios become increasingly complex, more and more projects compare these two types of materials during the selection phase. So, what are the core differences in performance and application between aerogel and rubber-plastic insulation materials? This article will systematically analyze these differences from the perspectives of material structure, insulation performance, fire resistance, and application scenarios.

I. Material Types and Structural Differences

1. Material Properties of Aerogel

Aerogel is a new type of nanoporous insulation material. Its main component is silicon dioxide, which is formed into a nanoscale porous structure through a special process. The internal pore size of aerogel is extremely small, making air convection almost impossible, thus effectively inhibiting heat transfer.

From a material property perspective, aerogel belongs to inorganic insulation materials, possessing both lightweight and high-efficiency thermal insulation characteristics. It is often used in situations requiring high insulation performance or where space is limited.

2. Material Properties of Rubber-Plastic Insulation Materials

Rubber-plastic insulation materials use synthetic rubber as a base material, forming a closed-cell structure through a foaming process. Its internal air bubbles are independent, resulting in low water vapor permeability and excellent anti-condensation performance.

Rubber-plastic materials are organic elastic insulation materials with good flexibility, suitable for covering pipes and complex equipment surfaces.

II. Comparison of Insulation Performance

There are significant differences in thermal conductivity between aerogel and rubber-plastic insulation materials.

Aerogel: Low thermal conductivity, achieving good insulation even with relatively thin layers.

Rubber-plastic insulation materials: Stable thermal conductivity, but typically require a certain thickness to achieve the same insulation level.

In projects with limited space or requiring thinner insulation layers, aerogel has a clear advantage; however, in conventional building pipe insulation, rubber-plastic materials offer better cost-effectiveness.

III. Comparison of Fire Resistance Performance

Fire Resistance Characteristics of Aerogel

Aerogel is an inorganic material, inherently non-flammable, and has good high-temperature resistance. In high-temperature or fire environments, the aerogel structure remains stable, making it less prone to melting or dripping.

Fire Resistance Performance of Rubber and Plastic Insulation Materials

Rubber and plastic materials are organic materials, and their fire resistance mainly relies on flame-retardant modification. Flame-retardant treated rubber and plastic materials can meet building fire safety requirements, but their stability in extreme high-temperature environments is generally inferior to inorganic insulation materials.

IV. Differences in Anti-condensation and Moisture-proof Performance

In scenarios such as chilled water pipes and refrigerant systems, anti-condensation performance is particularly critical.

Rubber and plastic insulation materials: Their closed-cell structure makes it difficult for moisture to enter, resulting in strong anti-condensation capabilities.

Aerogel: Usually needs to be used in conjunction with composite structures or outer coverings to improve moisture-proof performance.

Therefore, in humid environments or low-temperature piping systems, rubber and plastic materials are more suitable for direct application.

V. Comparison of Construction Performance and Adaptability

Aerogel Construction Characteristics

Aerogel is mostly applied in the form of composite felts or boards. Strict control of overlaps and seals is required during construction, placing relatively high demands on the construction process.

Construction Characteristics of Rubber and Plastic Insulation Materials

Rubber and plastic materials offer good flexibility, are easy to cut and install, and can adapt to complex pipe diameters and irregular structures, resulting in high on-site construction efficiency.

VI. Comparison of Typical Application Scenarios

| Application Scenarios | Aerogel | Rubber and Plastic Insulation Materials |

| ------ | ----- | ------ |

| Space-Confined Areas | ✔ Preferred | △ General |

| High-Temperature Equipment Insulation | ✔ Suitable | △ Not Recommended |

| Chilled Water Piping Systems | △ Requires Composite Material | ✔ Commonly Used |

| Industrial Equipment Insulation | ✔ Commonly Used | △ Limited |

| Building HVAC Systems | △ Partial | ✔ Widely Used |

The comparison shows that aerogel is more suited to high-performance and high-requirement scenarios, while rubber and plastic materials prioritize practicality and ease of construction.

VII. Comprehensive Comparison and Summary

In summary, the key to comparing aerogel and rubber-plastic insulation materials lies in the application environment and engineering requirements:

Aerogel: Ultra-low thermal conductivity, high temperature resistance, suitable for space-constrained or high-performance applications.

Rubber-plastic materials: Anti-condensation, good flexibility, suitable for conventional piping and HVAC systems.

The appropriate combination of different types of insulation materials can achieve a better balance between performance, cost, and construction efficiency.

In actual engineering projects, aerogel and rubber-plastic insulation materials are not mutually exclusive, but rather each has its own advantages for different working conditions. Only through scientific selection and reasonable design can the characteristics of each material be fully utilized to achieve stable and reliable insulation effects.