Determination of physical and thermal properties of nano silica core - based VIPs using experimental and RSM methods, optimization of unit costs
International Journal of Thermal Sciences, cilt.223, 2026 (SCI-Expanded, Scopus)
- Yayın Türü: Makale / Tam Makale
- Cilt numarası: 223
- Basım Tarihi: 2026
- Doi Numarası: 10.1016/j.ijthermalsci.2025.110595
- Dergi Adı: International Journal of Thermal Sciences
- Derginin Tarandığı İndeksler: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus, Compendex, INSPEC
- Anahtar Kelimeler: Core design, Response surface methodology, Thermal resistance, Unit cost, Vacuum insulation panel
- Süleyman Demirel Üniversitesi Adresli: Evet
Özet
In building applications, growing energy conservation goals have increased the demand for high-performance thermal insulation materials. The main objective of this study was to develop and optimize high-performance vacuum insulation panels (VIPs) with reduced thermal conductivity through composition and density control. In this study, the thermal behavior of vacuum insulation panels (VIPs) containing fumed silica (FS) was investigated and optimized using experimental design and a Response Surface Methodology (RSM). A total of 32 VIP samples with different core compositions and densities were fabricated and characterized. The core mixtures consisted of FS, glass fiber (GF), and silicon carbide (SiC), combined in various proportions and compacted under controlled compression forces. The cores were vacuum sealed below 1 Pa using a seven-layer metallized ALUPET barrier film to ensure long-term vacuum stability. Subsequently, the VIPs were fabricated by vacuum sealing the cores, and their thermal conductivities were experimentally measured to validate the proposed design approach. The effects of FS, GF, SiC, and density (D) on thermal resistance (R) were modeled and statistically evaluated using a combined mixture–process design. Statistical analysis confirmed the significance of the model (p < 0.001), showing a strong correlation between the predicted and experimental results (R2 = 0.958, adjusted R2 = 0.944, predicted R2 = 0.890). Increasing density significantly reduced R, while higher FS and SiC contents improved the overall insulation capability. GF primarily contributed to enhancing the structural integrity of the panels. A cost analysis based on current raw material prices revealed that panels with balanced FS-GF-SiC ratios achieved competitive unit costs of approximately 40–45 $·m−2, indicating that high insulation efficiency can be achieved without substantial cost increase. The VIP produced with 80 % FS, 10 % SiC, and 10 % GF under a compression force of 14 kN showed the lowest thermal conductivity (0.00394 W·m⁻¹·K⁻¹) and the highest R (7.65 m²·K·W⁻¹. This configuration represents an optimal balance between thermal performance and economic feasibility, demonstrating the practical potential of the proposed design.