The Importance of Thermal Insulation: Characteristics, Properties and Applications

Abstract

Thermal insulation is used to ensure that there is no loss or gain of heat in a medium, and therefore must be very well chosen considering the properties, applications and costs. It is used for protection, prevention, comfort and economy. The choice of insulation, the thickness and the method of application are extremely important to obtain good technical and economic results. The objective of the present article was to compile characteristics and properties of thermal insulation, exposing its applications in thermal products companies. Thus, information and research results were collected from articles, and grouped into insulation originating from animal, synthetic, vegetal, animal, vacuum compounds and gases. A questionnaire was also applied to manufacturers and users of thermal insulation, reporting on each insulation and its applications. The differences of each thermal insulation, its advantages and applications are noted. There is no insulator that fully has all the advantageous properties and characteristics. Therefore, the choice of the insulation should be thorough, opting for one which shows greater propensity to the desired application.