Discover our top-tier vacuum insulation panels and materials designed for cold-chain systems, building envelope integrations, high-temperature equipment, and clean-energy vehicles.
As the global construction sector intensifies its focus on reducing greenhouse gas emissions and achieving carbon-neutral envelopes, traditional thermal barriers such as expanded polystyrene (EPS), extruded polystyrene (XPS), and mineral wool are meeting their physical limits. In response, Vacuum Insulation Panels (VIPs) have emerged as a disruptive, space-saving technology offering thermal conductivities that are an order of magnitude lower than conventional solutions. Modern architectural projects, particularly those aiming for Passivhaus standards or Net-Zero Energy Buildings (NZEB), increasingly demand thin, ultra-high-efficiency building envelopes.
This whitepaper details the structural dynamics, material science, procurement strategies, and technical integration guidelines for building insulation companies sourcing budget-optimized, high-reliability VIP panels from Zerothermo Technology Co., Ltd. (a key enterprise subsidiary of the renowned CBVAC Group).
Traditionally, achieving R-values over R-40 in roof or external wall insulation required thick, space-consuming layers of foam or fiber. In modern high-density urban areas, where space directly equates to real estate value, using thick insulation reduces the Net Usable Area (NUA) of buildings. VIPs overcome this constraint. While a conventional wall requires over 200mm of standard insulation to achieve low U-values, a 20mm to 30mm fumed silica vacuum insulation panel can achieve equivalent thermal resistance.
The core material of a VIP is enclosed in a gas-tight envelope, which is evacuated and sealed under deep vacuum. The core material is critical; while polyurethane (PU) foam and fiberglass cores exist, fumed silica cores are widely preferred for building applications due to their exceptional durability, longevity, and superior fire safety (Class A non-combustible classification). Fumed silica possesses nano-porous structures with an average pore size of less than 100 nm, which effectively limits the mean free path of gas molecules (the Knudsen effect), ensuring low thermal conductivity even under partial loss of vacuum over decades.
To assist building envelope engineers in material selection, the table below highlights the physical performance differences between fumed silica VIPs and traditional building insulation products:
| Insulation Type | Thermal Conductivity (W/m·K) | Required Thickness for R-30 (mm) | Fire Classification (EN 13501) | Service Life Expectancy (Years) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fumed Silica VIP (Zerothermo) | 0.0035 - 0.0045 | 20 - 25 | Class A1 / A2 (Non-combustible) | 50+ (with low degradation) |
| Polyurethane (PU) VIP | 0.0070 - 0.0090 | 45 - 55 | Class B / C (Combustible) | 15 - 25 |
| Extruded Polystyrene (XPS) | 0.030 - 0.035 | 200 - 230 | Class E (Highly Flammable) | 30 - 50 |
| Mineral Wool / Rockwool | 0.035 - 0.040 | 230 - 260 | Class A1 (Non-combustible) | 50+ |
The primary barrier to widespread VIP adoption has historically been the initial procurement cost. However, procurement officers at major building companies are shifting focus from simple upfront material costs to Life Cycle Costing (LCC). Sourcing VIPs from advanced production centers in China allows developers to achieve massive economies of scale without sacrificing regulatory compliance or thermal integrity.
Vacuum insulation panels require sophisticated engineering to prevent structural vacuum loss due to water vapor or atmospheric gas transmission over time. Zerothermo Technology utilizes specialized multi-layer metalized laminate films with barrier coatings. These laminate structures are designed to withstand temperature cycles ranging from sub-zero winter temperatures to blistering summer facade heat, without compromising the integrity of the vacuum seal. The integration of protective cushioning layers (such as rubber, XPS, or silicate boards) ensures that the panels are protected from puncture during building construction phases.
Zerothermo offers tailor-made thermal insulation dimensions and compositions to accommodate diverse mechanical demands.
Product Details: Size: Customized Thickness: 5-50mm. Designed for thermal runaway prevention and battery enclosure safety.
Product Details: Size: Customized Thickness: 5-50mm. Ideal for storage tanks and boilers to save standby energy loss.
Our elevator fireproof door high temperature nano microporous insulation panels deliver fire barriers up to 1000°C.
Special curved, circular, and hole-pierced custom panels designed for complex configurations and piping systems.
Flexible wraps designed for industrial pipe insulations, exhaust setups, and thermal reactor jackets.
Optimized building panels engineered for low thermal conductivity, delivering optimal long-term aging curves.
Ensures structural consistency for transport containers carrying pharma and biological vaccines.
Large format panel installations for cold logistics warehouses, reducing thermal bridge junctions.
ABOUT US
Zerothermo Technology Co., Ltd., a subsidiary of CBVAC Group and a national high-tech enterprise, is headquartered in the Beijing Economic-Technological Development Area with its production base located in Nanchong City, Sichuan Province. This facility stands as one of China's largest comprehensive production centers for vacuum technology application products.
Special sizes (beyond the range of ANSI/ASME/DIN and other standards) are produced according to customers' drawings or technical parameters.
Square, oval or other special shaped flanges. - Oversize/small diameter: such as diameter over 60 inches or micro precision flanges.
Special dimensions and specific materials produced according to custom parameters, satisfying strict client tolerances and technical drawings.
Globally, the building sector accounts for nearly 40% of total CO₂ emissions, which has led regulatory bodies to mandate stricter building envelope thermal parameters. In Europe, the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD) has set a course toward Zero-Emission Buildings. Similarly, in North America, ASHRAE standards are continuously raising minimum R-value limits for commercial roofing and wall structures.
In historic or densely populated cities, performing external thermal insulation retrofits using traditional insulation is structurally challenging due to boundary line limitations and architectural aesthetic guidelines. Interior retrofitting with traditional materials drastically reduces the indoor living area, diminishing property values. Fumed silica VIPs offer a clean, thin alternative, enabling high thermal performance with minimal wall thickness.
A growing macro-industry trend is the fabrication of modular insulated wall panels off-site. Integrated structural panels comprising concrete, structural studs, VIPs, and protective outer cladding are shipped ready for installation. This approach cuts site labor, minimizes risk of puncturing the panels, and guarantees thermal performance through controlled factory manufacturing.
As a leading pioneer, Zerothermo Technology is actively researching the next phase of vacuum thermal insulation:
Our Technology
Unparalleled Standards across our automated vacuum chamber sealing lines, ensuring consistency and minimal degradation.
Swift Execution of engineered shapes, custom-sized VIP panels, and bespoke protective encapsulation layers.
Uncompromised Quality is maintained even at high production volumes, backed by the industrial manufacturing footprint of the CBVAC Group.
Global Reach through secure transit packaging, preventing puncture damage during long-distance shipping.
We provide full lifetime calculations and design advice for construction developers worldwide.
Solutions
Our fumed silica VIP solutions and thermal protection blankets are deployed across multiple demanding commercial sectors.
Providing high-efficiency thermal insulation solutions for vaccine transport and temperature-sensitive storage.
Enabling buildings to reduce carbon emissions and achieve low U-values using thin, space-saving panel integrations.
Providing thermal protection wraps for industrial kilns, piping networks, and special equipment.
Providing specialized modular structure and container cabins with thermal protection from extreme weather.
Case Studies
News and Information
Get technical insights into how vacuum insulation panels and microporous materials function in typical building construction contexts.
We offer a one-stop vacuum insulation board solution. Contact us for a custom consultation or to receive a quote for your project.
Browse our extensive catalog of tailored fumed silica vacuum insulation panels, high-temperature microporous mats, and tempered insulated glass systems.
