Special Guest Speaker: Amir Ali (Graduate Assistant and PhD. Candidate at Lakehead University).
Amir is leading research at Lakeview University on Development and thermal performance of aerogel-based cellulose composites for thermal insulation applications.
Cellulose insulation, often produced with high recycled content, is attractive for sustainable construction, but moisture sensitivity and the need for thicker layers to reach a target thermal resistance can limit real world adoption. In this webinar, we will focus on the thermal performance drivers of aerogel based cellulose composites and how formulation choices translate into measurable changes in thermal conductivity.
The session will walk through the experimental approach used in the study, including thermal conductivity testing by the modified transient plane source (MTPS) method across 265 specimens. We will discuss how aerogel loading, dispersion strategy, and environmental factors such as density and moisture content influence heat flow through the composite.
Attendees will review key thermal results from the paper, including the impact of increasing aerogel content from 0% to 50% by volume, which reduced thermal conductivity from 0.0551 to 0.0321 W/m·K, and how adding surfactant further improved conductivity to 0.0307 W/m·K, while binder and rheology modifier additions had minimal effect on thermal conduction within the ranges studied.
The webinar will also connect these findings to practical testing workflows for insulation and building materials, including how MTPS based thermal conductivity measurements can support R and D decisions, material screening, and quality control when developing next generation thermal insulation systems for harsh environments.
Keywords: aerogel, cellulose, aerogel cellulose composites, thermal insulation, thermal conductivity, MTPS, density, moisture content, sustainable building materials, energy conservation, insulation materials testing, indigenous housing solution
This webinar will air on March 12, 2026 10:00 am GMT-4.
Register here