Low-cost aerogel insulation technology for cold storage applications
Liatris Inc offers a nanopore composite aerogel insulation technology achieving R-9/inch thermal performance, double that of EPS foam. The solution uses cellulose nanofibers embedded in exfoliated clay platelets with ambient pressure drying, enabling cost-competitive, non-toxic insulation for cold storage and building applications.
Overview
Liatris Inc has developed a high-performance nanopore composite aerogel insulation technology designed to overcome the cost and scalability barriers that have limited traditional aerogel adoption. The technology achieves thermal resistivity above R-8/inch, roughly twice the performance of expanded polystyrene (EPS) foam, while remaining cost-competitive with conventional insulation. By embedding cellulose nanofibers within exfoliated clay platelet molecules and using ambient pressure drying combined with continuous supercritical foaming, the platform delivers superior insulation without the expensive surface treatments and high solvent volumes required by legacy aerogel manufacturing.
The current focus is adapting this proven aerogel platform for cold storage applications, where the material formulation must be optimized for low-temperature performance, moisture resistance, and vapor permeance management.
Technical specifications
Core technology features:
- Nanopore processing scheme combining ambient pressure drying, freeze drying, and continuous supercritical foaming
- Preserves nanopore structures ranging from 10 nm to 1 micron
- Fiber-reinforced silica aerogel with surface modifications for enhanced R-values and mechanical properties
- Improved tensile strength, flexural strength, and density compared to conventional aerogels
- Extrusion/molding compatible manufacturing process for scalable production
- Non-toxic, non-flammable, and environmentally friendly composition
Performance benchmarks:
- Thermal conductivity testing results exceeding R-9/inch in laboratory conditions
- Approximately 2X the thermal resistivity of EPS foam (R-3 to R-4)
- Reduced material usage compared to traditional insulation
Cold storage adaptation requirements:
- Testing of surface modification agents under cold temperature conditions
- Evaluation of moisture and expansion properties from water vapor permeance
- Field demonstration of material performance in cold storage environments
Technology readiness level
The aerogel insulation technology has been validated through laboratory thermal conductivity testing achieving results greater than R-9/inch. Independent verification has been conducted through DOE and NSF grants, with project managers and stakeholders from both agencies reviewing progress on-site. Prototype samples have been provided to a major incumbent roofing materials manufacturer under NDA for third-party verification, with the partner expressing interest in advancing the technology beyond lab scale. Liatris has secured over $10 million in government and corporate research funding to date. The current effort represents a 6-month adaptation study to extend the validated technology platform into cold storage applications, requiring facilities access, field demonstration equipment, and funding for personnel and materials.
About Liatris Inc
Liatris Inc. is a building materials company based in Rockville, Maryland, that develops and manufactures high-performance insulation solutions for thermal energy management. The company utilizes patented nanopore composite technology to create insulation products that are non-flammable, non-toxic, and environmentally friendly. Their technology is designed to provide up to two times the performance of legacy insulation materials while remaining compatible with industry-standard manufacturing processes and installation methods. Liatris employs a capital-light business model, focusing on collaboration with established insulation manufacturers to scale production and bring their innovations to global markets.
By addressing the need for safer, more efficient, and affordable building materials, Liatris aims to make the built environment more resilient and energy-efficient. Their product portfolio includes solutions such as foamed cement insulation boards and advanced aerogel-based materials suitable for both new construction and retrofit applications. The company has secured over $10 million in government and corporate research funding, supported by a team with deep experience in scaling energy technologies. Through these partnerships and pilot programs, Liatris is working to solve long-standing thermal insulation challenges and facilitate the industry-wide adoption of next-generation building energy efficiency technology.
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