A research team led by Prof Yu Shuhong have come up with a composite aerogel with low thermal conductivity and excellent fire resistance.
The composite, synthesized from phenol-formaldehyde-resin and silica, can resist a high-temperature flame without disintegration, said researcher Yu Zhilong.
The composite is highly porous and resilient. It displays better fire-resistance than current insulation materials such as expanded polystyrene and glass wool.
According to researchers, if used in walls, the material could provide extended protection against fire-induced collapse of reinforced concrete structures, winning more time for evacuation of the building.
It can also be used to insulate older buildings.
The research results were published in Angewandte Chemie, a German academic journal.
BS 476-21: Fire Resistance Test to Building Material – Loadbearing elements
http://www.ecosafene.com/EN/firetesting/building/530.html
BS 476-21: Fire Resistance Test to Building Material – Loadbearing elements
http://www.ecosafene.com/EN/firetesting/building/530.html