What is aerogel coating? A novel functional coating offering high energy efficiency and adaptability across multiple scenarios

Aerogel coating is an innovative functional coating formulated with nano-SiO₂ aerogel as its core functional filler, combined with film-forming resins and additives. Leveraging aerogel's core properties of lightweight porosity and low thermal conductivity, it offers multiple advantages including thermal insulation, fire resistance, soundproofing, and environmental sustainability. This makes it a preferred material for energy-saving retrofits in construction and industrial sectors, serving as a model for new eco-friendly coatings that advance the dual carbon goals.

As an extension of aerogel's application as a ‘super insulator’, aerogel coatings overcome the limitations of conventional coatings, which often suffer from single-functionality and poor thermal performance. Its nanoscale three-dimensional porous structure effectively blocks heat conduction. A coating just 1-2mm thick delivers thermal insulation equivalent to 30-40mm of conventional insulation materials, with thermal conductivity as low as 0.008-0.043 W/(m·K), truly achieving ‘ultra-thin, high-efficiency’ insulation. Concurrently, it possesses Class B1 fire resistance, being flame-retardant and emitting no toxic fumes, while also  meet green environmental requirements.

In practical applications, aerogel coatings demonstrate extensive versatility. Within the construction sector, they can be applied to interior and exterior walls, glass surfaces, and roofing of both new and existing buildings. This reduces air conditioning energy consumption while simplifying construction processes and minimising construction waste. The Zero Carbon Pavilion at the Shanghai World Expo successfully utilised its energy-saving properties. In industrial settings, it is suitable for high-temperature pipelines, reactors, storage tanks, and similar equipment, providing effective thermal insulation, cooling, and protection to extend service life.

Compared to conventional coatings, aerogel coatings offer straightforward application via spraying or roller coating without requiring production stoppages. Their lightweight, crack-resistant, and non-peeling properties ensure a service life exceeding ten years. Now widely deployed in building energy efficiency, industrial insulation, and cold storage warehouses, they balance practicality with environmental sustainability, emerging as a leading choice in advanced functional coatings. Moving forward, they will play a pivotal role in energy conservation and consumption reduction across an expanding array of applications.

Enze Chemical has launched a series of aerogel products, including aerogel powder, emulsions, dispersants, as well as aerogel semi-finished products such as aerogel paste and finished coatings. You can click the link below for more information.

Aerogel powder

Aerogel dispersant

Composite Aerogel Ointment

Aerogel Thermal Insulation Coating