Aerogel blanket and aerogel felt are both used for thermal insulation, but the names can refer to products with different material structures, manufacturing methods, and applications. In some markets, the two terms describe very similar flexible insulation materials. In others, aerogel felt refers to a specific fiber-reinforced aerogel product.
For industrial buyers, the important differences are not just the product names. Thermal conductivity, reinforcement material, thickness, flexibility, working temperature, and installation requirements all affect product selection.
When sourcing an aerogel blanket manufacturer or an aerogel insulation supplier, buyers should check the product specifications rather than assume that blanket and felt always refer to different materials.
What Is an Aerogel Blanket?
An aerogel blanket is a flexible thermal insulation material made by combining silica aerogel with a supporting fiber structure, commonly fiberglass or ceramic fiber. The aerogel's nanoporous structure restricts heat transfer, while the reinforcement helps the material maintain its shape during handling and installation.
Fiberglass aerogel blankets are widely used in industrial insulation because they combine low thermal conductivity with flexibility and a relatively thin profile.
Common applications include:
Oil and gas pipeline insulation
Petrochemical equipment and storage tanks
LNG and other low-temperature systems
Industrial pipes, valves, and fittings
Thermal insulation for equipment with limited installation space
For projects requiring thin insulation layers, an industrial aerogel blanket supplier can provide different thicknesses and dimensions to suit the equipment and installation conditions.
What Is Aerogel Felt?
Aerogel felt is a flexible insulation material containing aerogel and a fibrous supporting structure. Depending on the manufacturer, the reinforcement may consist of fiberglass, ceramic fiber, or another suitable fiber material.
The term "felt" often describes the product's soft, fibrous appearance or form. It does not automatically mean that the material has a different chemical composition from an aerogel blanket.
Aerogel felt can be supplied in rolls or sheets and cut to fit different insulation requirements. Its flexibility makes it useful for wrapping pipes, covering equipment surfaces, and insulating areas with irregular shapes.
Typical applications include:
- Industrial thermal insulation
- Pipe and equipment insulation
- High-temperature insulation, where the product specification permits
- Thermal protection in compact assemblies
- Customized insulation components
When purchasing aerogel felt for industrial insulation, confirm the fiber type, aerogel composition, thermal conductivity, density, and temperature rating with the manufacturer.
Aerogel Blanket vs. Aerogel Felt: Key Differences
The following table explains the main points buyers should compare. Actual specifications vary by product and manufacturer.
| Comparison | Aerogel Blanket | Aerogel Felt |
|---|---|---|
| Product form | Flexible blanket, sheet, or roll | Flexible felt, sheet, or roll |
| Main composition | Aerogel combined with reinforcing fibers | Aerogel combined with a fibrous supporting structure |
| Reinforcement | Often fiberglass or ceramic fiber | Depends on the product; may use fiberglass or ceramic fiber |
| Flexibility | Designed to wrap or cover surfaces | Depends on fiber structure, density, and thickness |
| Thermal conductivity | Depends on formulation, density, and test conditions | Depends on formulation, density, and test conditions |
| Temperature resistance | Depends on the specific grade and reinforcement | Depends on the specific grade and reinforcement |
| Common uses | Pipelines, tanks, industrial equipment, and energy systems | Pipes, equipment surfaces, and customized insulation applications |
| Product customization | Thickness, dimensions, and material structure may be customized | Thickness, dimensions, and material structure may be customized |
The key point: aerogel blanket and aerogel felt are not necessarily two different insulation technologies. A product sold as aerogel felt may have a composition and performance profile similar to an aerogel blanket. Always compare technical data sheets before choosing between them.
Which Has Better Thermal Insulation Performance?
Neither product name guarantees better thermal insulation. Performance depends on the aerogel formulation, fiber reinforcement, density, thickness, moisture conditions, and measurement method.
Thermal conductivity is one of the most useful parameters for comparing products. A lower value generally indicates less heat transfer under the stated test conditions.
For example, Runfew's fiberglass aerogel blanket has a stated thermal conductivity of 0.015 W/(m·K). Buyers should confirm the applicable test conditions and product grade when comparing this figure with data from other aerogel blanket or felt suppliers.
Other parameters worth checking include:
- Thermal conductivity: Compare values measured under comparable temperatures and test methods.
- Working temperature: Check continuous operating temperature separately from short-term exposure limits.
- Hydrophobic performance: Confirm whether the material resists water absorption and whether the property is required for the application.
- Mechanical properties: Check handling strength, flexibility, and resistance to damage during installation.
- Thickness and density: Compare the insulation requirements at the same installation thickness.
For industrial projects, selecting a material based on verified specifications is more reliable than choosing by the words "blanket" or "felt."
Which Material Is Better for Industrial Applications?
The best choice depends on the equipment, operating conditions, and installation method.
Aerogel blankets are commonly selected for pipelines, valves, and equipment where space is limited. Flexible formats can help installers cover curved surfaces and complex shapes.
A suitable aerogel blanket manufacturer in China should provide the required thickness, working-temperature range, and technical documentation for the project.
For furnaces, hot pipes, and other high-temperature equipment, buyers should verify the maximum continuous operating temperature and the compatibility of the reinforcement material.
Ceramic fiber aerogel products may be suitable for some high-temperature applications, but the allowable temperature depends on the specific grade and construction.
Both aerogel blankets and aerogel felts can be converted into customized shapes or dimensions, depending on the product and manufacturing process.
For OEM projects, confirm cutting tolerances, roll dimensions, packaging, and minimum order quantities with the supplier before production.
How to Choose a Reliable Aerogel Insulation Supplier
When comparing suppliers, request technical data for the exact product being quoted. Product names alone are not enough to establish equivalence.
A practical supplier evaluation should cover:
✅ Material composition: Identify the type of aerogel and reinforcement fiber.
✅ Thermal performance: Check thermal conductivity and the conditions under which it was measured.
✅ Temperature rating: Confirm continuous operating limits and any short-term limits.
✅ Available dimensions: Check thickness, width, roll length, and customization options.
✅ Quality documentation: Request relevant test reports and quality-control information.
✅ Supply capability: Confirm sample availability, production lead time, and bulk-order capacity.
✅ OEM services: For private-label or project-specific orders, confirm whether the manufacturer supports customized specifications and packaging.
Working with an experienced aerogel insulation blanket supplier helps buyers match the product to the intended application and reduce the risk of selecting an unsuitable grade.
Frequently Asked Questions
Not always, but the terms overlap. Both may describe flexible aerogel insulation reinforced with fibers. The exact composition and performance depend on the manufacturer's product specification.
Neither is inherently better. Compare thermal conductivity, working temperature, thickness, mechanical properties, and installation requirements to determine which product suits the project.
Yes. Suitable aerogel felt products can be used for pipe insulation, provided their temperature rating, dimensions, and mechanical properties meet the operating requirements.
The value varies by product grade and test conditions. Some silica aerogel blanket products report values around 0.015–0.020 W/(m·K). Buyers should verify the manufacturer's technical data and the corresponding test method rather than rely on a general range.
Many manufacturers offer customized thicknesses, dimensions, and product configurations. Availability depends on the factory's production capabilities and the intended application. OEM arrangements may also be available for qualified orders.