Widely known as the world’s best insulating solid material, silica aerogel-enabled coatings are redefining the world of paint with thermal benefits. Recognizing the advantages of a high-performance insulative coating has driven some coatings manufacturers to explore the use of silica aerogel as a paint additive to achieve significantly lower thermal conductivities. This new class of high-performance coatings, called Highly Thermally Insulative Coatings (HiTICs), is now finding opportunities in condensation and corrosion prevention.
Condensation, and the corrosion it causes, is a major issue in many industrial and architectural structures. Condensation occurs when the temperature of a surface drops below the dew point of the surrounding air, causing moisture in the air to condense on that surface. When this takes place, condensate pooling can cause safety concerns. Affected equipment is likely to experience conditions that can cause corrosion, and the possibility of biological growth (mold), resulting in health and asset protection issues.