Published August 2023 | 205 pages, 42 tables, 48 figures | Download table of contents
Lightweight Aerogels: Advanced Insulation Materials for Construction, Automotive, Energy Storage and Technical Applications
Aerogels are nanostructured porous materials that exhibit exceptional properties like ultralow density, high porosity (95-99.99%), low thermal conductivity, and high specific surface area (>150 m2/g).
Derived by replacing the liquid component of gels with air, aerogels demonstrate unparalleled insulating abilities for heat, sound and electricity. Their porous network also enables use as absorbers and controlled release agents.
Key end-use industries for aerogels include:
- Building and construction
- Automotive
- Oil and gas
- Energy storage
- Aerospace
- Appliances
- Apparel
- Biomedical
Silica aerogels have the largest market share, combining cost-effectiveness with good insulation. Polymer and carbon aerogels are also gaining share owing to properties like flexibility and conductivity.
Leading aerogel companies include Aspen Aerogels, Cabot Corporation, BASF, Armacell, Enersens and others.
Market Growth Drivers
Rising adoption in major sectors is fueling rapid growth:
- Electric vehicles - thermal management and fire protection
- Building insulation - energy efficiency and sustainability goals
- Oil and gas - pipeline insulation
- Energy storage - battery and fuel cell performance
- Aerospace - lightweight materials
Technological improvements and new production methods are also driving growth by enabling large-scale manufacturing and cost reductions.
Aerogel Production Methods
Major processes include:
- Sol-gel processing
- Supercritical drying
- Freeze drying
- Ambient pressure drying
Supercritical drying is the standard method that maintains the nanoscale pore structure by avoiding pore collapse during liquid removal.
Key Aerogel Materials
- Silica - silicon dioxide, lowest thermal conductivity, most widely used
- Polymer - flexible, transparent, hydrophobic
- Carbon - electrically conductive, chemically stable
- Metal oxide - photocatalytic, antimicrobial
- Hybrid - combines properties of different aerogels
Advanced materials like graphene and nanocellulose aerogels provide enhanced features.
Emerging Trends
- 3D printed aerogels - complex shapes and microstructures
- Flexible aerogels - polymers, composites, hybrids
- Bio-based aerogels - cellulose, chitosan, sustainable
Applications and Markets
Construction accounts for the largest share, but emerging areas like EVs and energy storage are growing rapidly.
Key markets:
- Building insulation - panels, blankets, paints
- Automotive - thermal management, acoustic damping
- Oil and gas - pipeline insulation
- Energy - batteries, fuel cells, hydrogen storage
- Biomedical - drug delivery, implants, wound care
- Electronics - 5G materials, thermal insulation
- Filtration - air, water, oil spill cleanup
- Aerospace - composites, thermal protection
1 INTRODUCTION
- 1.1 Description 14
- 1.2 Origin of Aerogels 14
- 1.3 Classification 15
- 1.4 Aerogel applications 17
- 1.5 Commercially available aerogels 19
- 1.6 Production methods for aerogels 20
- 1.6.1 Sol-gel process 22
- 1.6.2 Aging 24
- 1.6.3 Hydrophobization/surface modification 24
- 1.6.4 Drying methods 24
- 1.6.4.1 Overview of drying methods 25
- 1.6.4.1.1 Supercritical drying process analysis 27
- 1.6.4.1.1.1 Closed loop 28
- 1.6.4.1.2 Recent drying advancements for supercritical drying 28
- 1.6.4.1.3 Ambient pressure drying 29
- 1.7 SILICA AEROGELS 32
- 1.7.1 Properties 32
- 1.7.1.1 Thermal conductivity 33
- 1.7.1.2 Mechanical 33
- 1.7.2 Silica aerogel precursors 34
- 1.7.3 Products 34
- 1.7.3.1 Monoliths 34
- 1.7.3.1.1 Properties 34
- 1.7.3.1.2 Applications 35
- 1.7.3.1.3 SWOT analysis 35
- 1.7.3.2 Powder 36
- 1.7.3.2.1 Properties 36
- 1.7.3.2.2 Applications 36
- 1.7.3.2.3 SWOT analysis 37
- 1.7.3.3 Granules 38
- 1.7.3.3.1 Properties 38
- 1.7.3.3.2 Applications 38
- 1.7.3.3.3 SWOT analysis 39
- 1.7.3.4 Blankets 40
- 1.7.3.4.1 Properties 40
- 1.7.3.4.2 Applications 40
- 1.7.3.4.3 SWOT analysis 41
- 1.7.3.5 Aerogel boards 42
- 1.7.3.5.1 Properties 42
- 1.7.3.5.2 Applications 42
- 1.7.3.6 Aerogel renders 43
- 1.7.3.6.1 Properties 43
- 1.7.3.7 3D printing of aerogels 43
- 1.7.3.8 Silica aerogel from sustainable feedstocks 44
- 1.7.3.1 Monoliths 34
- 1.7.4 Silica composite aerogels 45
- 1.7.4.1 Organic crosslinkers 45
- 1.7.5 Cost of silica aerogels 46
- 1.7.6 Main players 47
- 1.7.1 Properties 32
- 1.8 AEROGELS-LIKE POLYMER FOAMS 47
- 1.8.1 Materials 48
- 1.8.2 Properties 48
- 1.8.3 Applications 48
- 1.9 METAL OXIDE AEROGELS 49
- 1.10 ORGANIC AEROGELS 50
- 1.10.1 Polymer aerogels 50
- 1.10.1.1 Description 50
- 1.10.1.1.1 Properties 50
- 1.10.1.1.2 Applications 51
- 1.10.1.1.3 Graphene 52
- 1.10.1.2 Companies 52
- 1.10.1.1 Description 50
- 1.10.2 Biobased and sustainable aerogels (bio-aerogels) 53
- 1.10.2.1 Cellulose aerogels 54
- 1.10.2.1.1 Properties 54
- 1.10.2.1.2 Applications 55
- 1.10.2.1.3 Cellulose nanofiber (CNF) aerogels 55
- 1.10.2.1.4 Cellulose nanocrystal aerogels 56
- 1.10.2.1.5 Bacterial nanocellulose aerogels 56
- 1.10.2.2 Lignin aerogels 56
- 1.10.2.3 Alginate aerogels 57
- 1.10.2.4 Starch aerogels 57
- 1.10.2.5 Chitosan aerogels 58
- 1.10.2.6 Protein aerogels 59
- 1.10.2.6.1 Albumin aerogels 59
- 1.10.2.6.2 Casein aerogels 59
- 1.10.2.6.3 Gelatin aerogels 59
- 1.10.2.7 Silk fiber 59
- 1.10.2.1 Cellulose aerogels 54
- 1.10.3 Carbon aerogels 61
- 1.10.3.1 Description 61
- 1.10.3.2 Properties 61
- 1.10.3.3 Manufacturing 61
- 1.10.3.4 Applications 62
- 1.10.3.5 Companies 62
- 1.10.4 Carbon nanotube aerogels 63
- 1.10.5 Graphene and graphite aerogels 64
- 1.10.5.1 Description 64
- 1.10.5.2 Properties 64
- 1.10.6 Additive manufacturing (3D printing) 65
- 1.10.6.1 Description 65
- 1.10.6.2 Graphene oxide 67
- 1.10.6.3 Carbon nitride 67
- 1.10.6.4 Gold 68
- 1.10.6.5 Cellulose 68
- 1.10.1 Polymer aerogels 50
- 1.11 HYBRID AEROGELS 69
- 1.11.1 Mixed oxide aerogels 69
- 1.11.2 Metal oxide aerogel composites 69
- 1.11.3 Carbon-based aerogel composites 70
2 TECHNOLOGY READINESS LEVEL (TRL) 71
3 THE GLOBAL MARKET FOR AEROGELS 74
- 3.1 Market drivers and trends 74
- 3.2 Market and technology challenges 78
- 3.3 Competitive landscape 80
- 3.4 Aerogel Manufacturer Capacities 81
- 3.5 Manufacturing process by producer 82
- 3.6 Manufacturing in China 82
- 3.7 Market developments 2020-2023 84
- 3.8 Markets 86
- 3.8.1 Oil and Gas 86
- 3.8.1.1 Market overview 86
- 3.8.1.2 Applications 87
- 3.8.1.2.1 Refineries 87
- 3.8.1.2.2 Pipelines 88
- 3.8.2 Building and construction 89
- 3.8.2.1 Market overview 89
- 3.8.2.2 Applications 91
- 3.8.2.2.1 Panels and blankets 91
- 3.8.2.2.2 Coatings and paints 92
- 3.8.2.2.3 Plaster, concrete and bricks 93
- 3.8.2.2.4 Window insulation 94
- 3.8.3 Automotive 95
- 3.8.3.1 Market overview 95
- 3.8.3.2 Applications 96
- 3.8.3.2.1 EV battery pack thermal insulation & fire protection 96
- 3.8.3.2.2 Sound dampening coatings 97
- 3.8.3.2.3 Cabin noise insulation 97
- 3.8.3.2.4 Engine compartment insulation 98
- 3.8.3.2.5 Paint additives 98
- 3.8.3.2.6 Thermal management components 98
- 3.8.3.2.7 Catalytic converter substrates 98
- 3.8.3.2.8 Thermal insulation in fuel systems 99
- 3.8.4 Energy storage 100
- 3.8.4.1 Market overview 100
- 3.8.4.2 Applications 101
- 3.8.4.2.1 Silicon anodes 101
- 3.8.4.2.2 Li-S batteries 101
- 3.8.4.2.3 Electrodes 101
- 3.8.4.2.4 Supercapacitors 102
- 3.8.4.2.5 Hydrogen 102
- 3.8.4.2.6 Solar energy collection 103
- 3.8.5 Biomedical 104
- 3.8.5.1 Market overview 104
- 3.8.5.2 Applications 104
- 3.8.5.2.1 Drug delivery 104
- 3.8.5.2.2 Tissue engineering 106
- 3.8.5.2.3 Medical implants 107
- 3.8.5.2.4 Wound care 108
- 3.8.6 Cold-Chain packaging 110
- 3.8.6.1 Market overview 110
- 3.8.6.2 Applications 111
- 3.8.7 Electronics 112
- 3.8.7.1 Market overview 112
- 3.8.7.2 Applications 112
- 3.8.7.2.1 EMI shielding 112
- 3.8.7.2.2 Thermal insulation 113
- 3.8.7.2.3 Low loss materials for 5G 113
- 3.8.8 Filtration, separation, and sorption 114
- 3.8.8.1 Market overview 114
- 3.8.8.2 Applications 116
- 3.8.8.2.1 Air filtration 116
- 3.8.8.2.2 Water filtration 116
- 3.8.8.2.3 Oil-spill remediation 117
- 3.8.9 Apparel and footwear 118
- 3.8.9.1 Market overview 118
- 3.8.9.2 Applications 120
- 3.8.9.2.1 Thermal insulation 120
- 3.8.9.2.2 Waterproofing 120
- 3.8.9.2.3 Flame resistance 121
- 3.8.9.2.4 Anti-microbial 121
- 3.8.9.2.5 Ballistic protection 122
- 3.8.10 Food 123
- 3.8.10.1 Market overview 123
- 3.8.10.2 Applications 123
- 3.8.10.2.1 Packaging 123
- 3.8.10.2.2 Biosensors 124
- 3.8.10.2.3 Nutrient carriers 124
- 3.8.11 Catalysts 125
- 3.8.11.1 Market overview 125
- 3.8.11.2 Applications 126
- 3.8.12 Aerospace 126
- 3.8.12.1 Market overview 126
- 3.8.12.2 Applications 128
- 3.8.13 Cosmetics 129
- 3.8.13.1 Market overview 129
- 3.8.13.2 Applications 129
- 3.8.14 Knudsen pumps 130
- 3.8.15 Sporting goods 130
- 3.8.16 Thermoelectric generators 131
- 3.8.1 Oil and Gas 86
4 AEROGEL PATENTS 132
5 GLOBAL AEROGELS REVENUES 134
- 5.1 Total, 2018-2034 134
- 5.2 By market, 2018-2034 136
- 5.3 By form, 2018-2034 138
- 5.4 By aerogel type, 2018-2034 140
- 5.5 By region, 2018-2034 141
6 AEROGEL COMPANY PROFILES 142 (49 company profiles)
7 OTHER COMPANIES WITH AEROGEL ACTIVITIES
8 EX-PRODUCERS
9 RESEARCH SCOPE AND METHODOLOGY
- 9.1 Report scope 197
- 9.2 Research methodology 197
10 REFERENCES
List of Tables
- Table 1. General properties and value of aerogels. 16
- Table 2. Synthesis methods-Aerogels synthesised, advantages and disadvantages. 21
- Table 3. Comparative analysis of different drying methods for producing aerogels. 25
- Table 4. Drying methods for aerogel production. 26
- Table 5. Advantages and disadvantages of drying methods. 29
- Table 6. Key properties of silica aerogels. 33
- Table 7. Chemical precursors used to synthesize silica aerogels. 34
- Table 8. Commercially available aerogel-enhanced blankets. 41
- Table 9. Main manufacturers of silica aerogels and product offerings. 47
- Table 10. Typical structural properties of metal oxide aerogels. 49
- Table 11. Polymer aerogels companies. 52
- Table 12. Types of biobased aerogels. 54
- Table 13. Carbon aerogel companies. 62
- Table 14. Technology Readiness Level (TRL) Examples. 71
- Table 15. Market drivers and trends for aerogels. 74
- Table 16. Market and technology challenges in aerogels. 78
- Table 17. Aerogel producers and capacities-current and planned. 81
- Table 18. Aerogel Manufacturing process by producer. 82
- Table 19. Aerogel manufacturers in China. 82
- Table 20. Aerogels market developments 2020-2023. 84
- Table 21. Market overview of aerogels in oil and gas-market drivers, types of aerogels utilized, motivation for use of aerogels, applications, TRL. 86
- Table 22. Market overview of aerogels in building and construction-market drivers, types of aerogels utilized, motivation for use of aerogels, applications, TRL. 90
- Table 23. Market overview of aerogels in paints and coatings-market drivers, types of aerogels utilized, motivation for use of aerogels, applications, TRL. 92
- Table 24. Market overview of aerogels in automotive-market drivers, types of aerogels utilized, motivation for use of aerogels, applications, TRL. 95
- Table 25. Market overview of aerogels in energy conversion and storage-market drivers, types of aerogels utilized, motivation for use of aerogels, applications, TRL. 100
- Table 26. Market overview of aerogels in drug delivery-market drivers, types of aerogels utilized, motivation for use of aerogels, applications, TRL. 105
- Table 27. Market overview of aerogels in tissue engineering-market drivers, types of aerogels utilized, motivation for use of aerogels, applications, TRL. 106
- Table 28. Market overview of aerogels in medical implants-market drivers, types of aerogels utilized, motivation for use of aerogels, applications, TRL. 107
- Table 29. Market overview of aerogels in wound care-market drivers, types of aerogels utilized, motivation for use of aerogels, applications, TRL. 108
- Table 30. Market overview of aerogels in cold-chain packaging-market drivers, types of aerogels utilized, motivation for use of aerogels, applications, TRL. 110
- Table 31. Market overview of aerogels in electronics-market drivers, types of aerogels utilized, motivation for use of aerogels, applications, TRL. 112
- Table 32. Market overview of aerogels in filtration, separation, and sorption-market drivers, types of aerogels utilized, motivation for use of aerogels, applications, TRL. 114
- Table 33. Market overview of aerogels in textiles- market drivers, types of aerogels utilized, motivation for use of aerogels, applications, TRL. 119
- Table 34. Market overview of aerogels in food- market drivers, types of aerogels utilized, motivation for use of aerogels, applications, TRL. 123
- Table 35. Market overview of aerogels in catalysts-market drivers, types of aerogels utilized, motivation for use of aerogels, applications, TRL. 125
- Table 36. Market overview of aerogels in aerospace-market drivers, types of aerogels utilized, motivation for use of aerogels, applications, TRL. 126
- Table 37. Market overview of aerogels in cosmetics-market drivers, types of aerogels utilized, motivation for use of aerogels, applications, TRL. 129
- Table 38. Global market for aerogels, 2018-2034, millions USD. 134
- Table 39. Global market for aerogels, 2018-2034, millions USD, by market. 136
- Table 40. Global market for aerogels, 2018-2034, millions USD, by form. 138
- Table 41. Other companies with aerogel activities. 195
- Table 42. Aerogel producers no longer trading. 196
List of Figures
- Figure 1. Main characteristics of aerogel type materials. 15
- Figure 2. Classification of aerogels. 16
- Figure 3. SLENTEX® thermal insulation. 18
- Figure 4. Canada Goose luxury footwear. 20
- Figure 5. Schematic of silica aerogels synthesis. 21
- Figure 6. Formation of aerogels, cryogels and xerogels. 22
- Figure 7. Aerogel engineering strategies. 23
- Figure 8. SEM images of the microstructures of (a) alginate and (b) pectin aerogels obtained by supercritical drying, (c) cellulose aerogels by freeze-drying, and (d) silica-cellulose composite aerogels by ambient drying. 25
- Figure 9. Methods of gel drying. 26
- Figure 10. Flower resting on a piece of silica aerogel suspended in mid air by the flame of a bunsen burner. 32
- Figure 11. Monolithic aerogel. 35
- Figure 12. SWOT analysis for monolith aerogels. 36
- Figure 13. SWOT analysis for powder aerogels. 37
- Figure 14. Aerogel granules. 38
- Figure 15. Internal aerogel granule applications. 39
- Figure 16. SWOT analysis for granule aerogels. 40
- Figure 17. SWOT analysis for aerogel blankets. 42
- Figure 18. 3D printed aerogels. 44
- Figure 19. Slentite. 46
- Figure 20. Methods for producing bio-based aerogels. 53
- Figure 21. Types of cellulose aerogel. 55
- Figure 22. Lignin-based aerogels. 57
- Figure 23. Fabrication routes for starch-based aerogels. 58
- Figure 24. Schematic of silk fiber aerogel synthesis. 60
- Figure 25. Graphene aerogel. 65
- Figure 26. Commonly employed printing technologies for aerogels. 66
- Figure 27. Schematic for direct ink writing of silica aerogels. 66
- Figure 28. 3D printed aerogel. 67
- Figure 29. Technology Readiness Level (TRL) for aerogels. 73
- Figure 30. Pyrogel insulation on a heat-exchange vessel in a petrochemical plant. 86
- Figure 31. Aerogel construction applications. 89
- Figure 32. Incorporation of aerogels into textiles. 119
- Figure 33. Aerogel dust collector. 128
- Figure 34. Aerogel patents 2010-December 2021. 132
- Figure 35. Global market for aerogels, 2018-2034, millions USD. 135
- Figure 36. Global market for aerogels, 2018-2034, millions USD, by market. 137
- Figure 37. Global market for aerogels, 2018-2034, millions USD, by form. 139
- Figure 38. Global market for aerogels, 2018-2034, millions USD, by aerogel type. 140
- Figure 39. Global market for aerogels, 2018-2034, millions USD, by region. 141
- Figure 40. Lignin Aero gel plate. 147
- Figure 41. Thermal Conductivity Performance of ArmaGel HT. 150
- Figure 42. SLENTEX® roll (piece). 153
- Figure 43. CNF gel. 169
- Figure 44. Block nanocellulose material. 169
- Figure 45. Melodea CNC suspension. 177
- Figure 46. HIP AERO paint. 182
- Figure 47. Sunthru Aerogel pane. 188
- Figure 48. Quartzene®. 190
Payment methods: Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Paypal.
To purchase by invoice (bank transfer) or in an alternative currency please contact info@futuremarketsinc.com or select Bank Transfer (Invoice) as a payment method at checkout.