Hanging Fruit and Aerogel Products

As discussed previously, the consumer products market that uses insulation is of considerable size. Aerogel producers and product makers must focus on products and markets that can most readily benefit from the high performance of an aerogel. These markets most likely include products, which can best benefit from maximum thermal performance within a minimal amount of space. 

Since standard insulating materials are very inexpensive compared to aerogel-based materials, there is little incentive for products to use more expensive aerogel insulation unless the amount of insulation is very small or there is a substantial need for improved insulation performance within a very limited thickness. 

In addition to the upper insulation, it is important to note the essential lack of insulation under the foot in this boot s (Thinsulate model) construction. This is due to the fact that conventional insulating materials require loft, and when these materials are placed under foot, the loft is compressed from this insulating material and its effectiveness diminishes dramatically. As a result, there is very little practical insulation used under foot in shoe or boot design. The use of aerogel insulation in footwear represents several possibilities for successful penetration into the consumer markets  

The thermal performance can be improved within a limited thickness. 

The material (Aspen Aerogel Spaceloft 2250) can withstand the pressures experienced underfoot without losing insulating value. 

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