Introducing the Thin-film High-heat Insulation Material “FinesulightTM”

September, 2020; Komaki, Japan

Sumitomo Riko Company Limited is pleased to announce the development and commercialization of FinesulightTM, a thin-film high-heat insulation material, coated with a high-thermal insulation filler. Utilizing our core competence, polymer materials technology, we made a high-heat insulating filler (silica aerogel) containing nanopores small enough to block the passage of air, into a coating liquid.

Then, by coating base materials such as non-woven fabric and molded resin, we developed a thin, flexible insulating material which exhibits high-heat insulation properties at a level of still air or higher. Of the three methods of heat transfer, convection, conduction, and radiation, Sumitomo Riko focused on conduction. Silica aerogel has the lowest heat transfer rate of solid substances. Its internal pores are spatially positioned so that air cannot move and, because there is no air convection, thermal conduction is suppressed. We have processed silica aerogel into a minutely crushed insulating filler. Our polymer materials technology has made coating possible, while maintaining a high filler density level, achieving a thermal conductivity of 0.020 W/mK, which is less than the still-air thermal conductivity of 0.026 W/mK as a coating film.

We have now begun supplying Finesulight™ coated onto non-woven fabric sheets. It can be installed in narrow gaps and spaces and, due to its lightweight, it is perfect for automobiles, Sumitomo Riko’s core business, and can also be used for a broad range of insulation applications, including electrical appliances, residences, and cooler boxes that require heat management. Furthermore, as it can be used on various base materials other than non-woven fabric, we are continuing to develop Finesulight™ for other products.

Through our technology and product development in the heat management field, the Sumitomo Riko Group helps to make life more comfortable while improving energy efficiency.