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Historical Evolution and Current Developments in Building Thermal Insulation Materials—A Review

Author

Listed:
  • Barbara Klemczak

    (Faculty of Civil Engineering, Silesian University of Technology, 44-100 Gliwice, Poland)

  • Beata Kucharczyk-Brus

    (Faculty of Architecture, Silesian University of Technology, 44-100 Gliwice, Poland)

  • Anna Sulimowska

    (Faculty of Architecture, Silesian University of Technology, 44-100 Gliwice, Poland)

  • Rafał Radziewicz-Winnicki

    (Faculty of Architecture, Silesian University of Technology, 44-100 Gliwice, Poland)

Abstract

The European Climate Law mandates a 55% reduction in CO 2 emissions by 2030, intending to achieve climate neutrality by 2050. To meet these targets, there is a strong focus on reducing energy consumption in buildings, particularly for heating and cooling, which are the primary drivers of energy use and greenhouse gas emissions. As a result, the demand for energy-efficient and sustainable buildings is increasing, and thermal insulation plays a crucial role in minimizing energy consumption for both winter heating and summer cooling. This review explores the historical development of thermal insulation materials, beginning with natural options such as straw, wool, and clay, progressing to materials like cork, asbestos, and mineral wool, and culminating in synthetic insulators such as fiberglass and polystyrene. The review also examines innovative materials like polyurethane foam, vacuum insulation panels, and cement foams enhanced with phase change materials. Additionally, it highlights the renewed interest in environmentally friendly materials like cellulose, hemp, and sheep wool. The current challenges in developing sustainable, high-performance building solutions are discussed, including the implementation of the 6R principles for insulating materials. Finally, the review not only traces the historical evolution of insulation materials but also provides various classifications and summarizes emerging aspects in the field.

Suggested Citation

  • Barbara Klemczak & Beata Kucharczyk-Brus & Anna Sulimowska & Rafał Radziewicz-Winnicki, 2024. "Historical Evolution and Current Developments in Building Thermal Insulation Materials—A Review," Energies, MDPI, vol. 17(22), pages 1-30, November.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jeners:v:17:y:2024:i:22:p:5535-:d:1514806
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Kati Kulovesi & Sebastian Oberthür & Harro van Asselt & Annalisa Savaresi, 2024. "The European Climate Law: Strengthening EU Procedural Climate Governance?," Journal of Environmental Law, Oxford University Press, vol. 36(1), pages 23-42.
    2. Dawei Zhao & Zuotai Zhang & Xulong Tang & Lili Liu & Xidong Wang, 2014. "Preparation of Slag Wool by Integrated Waste-Heat Recovery and Resource Recycling of Molten Blast Furnace Slags: From Fundamental to Industrial Application," Energies, MDPI, vol. 7(5), pages 1-15, May.
    3. Bre, Facundo & Lamberts, Roberto & Flores-Larsen, Silvana & Koenders, Eduardus A.B., 2023. "Multi-objective optimization of latent energy storage in buildings by using phase change materials with different melting temperatures," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 336(C).
    4. Badr Moutik & John Summerscales & Jasper Graham-Jones & Richard Pemberton, 2023. "Life Cycle Assessment Research Trends and Implications: A Bibliometric Analysis," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(18), pages 1-45, September.
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