Apr 16 2013
Cabot Corporation announces that its aerogel technology is featured in a new aerogel-based plaster, Fixit 222. Developed by Fixit AG, the new insulating plaster provides more than two times the insulation capabilities of currently available insulating plasters.
This innovative product was developed with the Swiss research and services institution, EMPA, as part of a publicly funded project for the renovation of historical buildings to significantly enhance energy savings. With over one and a half million historic buildings in Switzerland alone, a solution was needed that could help building owners insulate, reduce energy consumption and protect historical façades. Fixit 222 insulating plaster has been found to be the best choice for insulation while maintaining the external character of these buildings.
Aerogel has been used in the building industry for its superior thermal performance in such applications as cavity-injected wall insulation and interior insulating boards. By incorporating Cabot’s aerogel technology, the Fixit 222 plaster provides better insulation than a polystyrene board, as well as superior European fire class A performance. Fixit 222 is easier and faster to apply than traditional plasters. The convenient spray application can easily be applied directly on to brickwork and complex wall geometries without the need for extensive time-consuming surface preparation. In addition, it eliminates gaps where moisture could form, reducing condensation inside walls that can cause mold. The vapor-permeable system enables fast drying time and controlled vapor levels. The new aerogel-enhanced plaster has a heat conductivity of less than 30 mW/(mK) that provides up to three times the insulating and thermal performance of traditional insulating plasters.
“In the past, historical building officials and homeowners had to compromise between preserving the look of the façade and significantly improving the energy efficiency of historical buildings,” said Raj Chary, vice president and general manager, Cabot Aerogel. “Through our collaboration with Fixit AG and our combined knowledge of the market needs, we are now able to deliver a solution that can considerably reduce heating and cooling energy consumption, effectively insulate, and save energy and money while retaining the historical look and quality of these buildings.”
Fixit 222 is lightweight, easy to use and can be applied with standard installation equipment on uneven surfaces, around windows, doors, arches, as well as in indoor or outdoor applications. The product is currently available in Switzerland.
What is Cabot aerogel?
Sometimes called "frozen smoke," aerogel is the lightest and best insulating solid in the world. Cabot's aerogel is a hydrophobic aerogel produced as particles. Each particle consists of more than 90 percent air, contained in a structure that prevents heat transfer, for unmatched insulation performance. Cabot produces its aerogel products, including the Lumira® aerogel and Enova® aerogel brands in a state-of-the-art manufacturing facility located near Frankfurt, Germany where it began commercial production in 2003. Cabot certifies it has completed the EU REACH pre-registrations required for all Cabot aerogel products. For more information about Cabot aerogel please visit http://www.cabotaerogel.com.