Aerogel Coating for Surface Insulation

Massachusetts-based Cabot Corp. recently introduced Enova, an aerogel that is a new high-performance thermal additive designed specifically for insulation coatings. Enova aerogel is designed for application to surfaces that are not already insulated but ideally should be. Cabot researchers have found that applying a 1-millimeter coating containing Enova aerogel to a 200C metal surface meets U.S. and European testing protocols for safe touch temperature, preventing the first-degree burns one would normally expect within five seconds of skin contact. This not only protects employees but also helps keep the pipe contents at desired temperature. Coatings containing Enova aerogel can also be used to insulate cold surfaces, helping to eliminate freezer burns and reduce the power requirements needed to keep contents cold. (http://www.cabot-corp.com)