Zhejiang Runhui
Research & Development Leadership
The company invests 8% of its annual revenue in R&D, operating a dedicated laboratory with 50 researchers focused on:
Nanocomposite Formulation: Developing aerogel-cellulose hybrid papers for biodegradable packaging applications
Process Optimization: Reducing production costs through microwave-assisted drying, cutting processing time by 40%
Advanced Coatings: Creating hydrophobic surfaces with contact angles >150°, ideal for marine and offshore environments
Runhui holds 30+ patents, which having a unique method for dispersing aerogel nanoparticles in water-based adhesives, enhancing bonding strength without compromising thermal performance.
The Rise of Zhejiang Runhui
Zhejiang Runhui New Materials Co., Ltd., headquartered in the Longyou Economic Development Zone of Zhejiang Province, China, has emerged as a key player in the global aerogel industry since its establishment. Specializing in the research, development, and production of nanomaterial-based insulation solutions, Runhui has built a reputation for delivering high-performance products that address critical challenges in thermal management. The company operates state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities equipped with automated production lines, enabling it to produce over 5 million square meters of aerogel insulation paper annually, catering to both domestic and international markets.
Product Architecture and Core Properties
Runhui's Aerogel Insulation Paper is a nanocomposite material constructed primarily from silica aerogel particles, reinforced with inorganic fibers (glass or ceramic fibers) and bonded into flexible sheets. The manufacturing process involves sol-gel synthesis of silica nanoparticles, followed by supercritical drying to preserve the nanoporous structure-characterized by pore sizes ranging from 2 to 50 nanometers. This structure gives the material an extremely low density of 1-5 kg/m³, making it approximately 10 times lighter than traditional mineral wool insulation while achieving a thermal conductivity as low as 0.013 W/m·K at room temperature-significantly lower than polyurethane foam (0.025 W/m·K) or fiberglass (0.04 W/m·K).
The paper-like flexibility allows for thickness customization between 0.1 mm and 10 mm, with optional surface coatings (for radiant heat resistance) and silicone (for enhanced water repellency). These features make it adaptable to complex geometries, a critical advantage in industries where space optimization is paramount.
Low Thermal Conductivity
Mechanisms of Thermal Resistance
The ultra-low thermal conductivity of Runhui's Aerogel Insulation Paper stems from three primary mechanisms:
Nanoporous Structure: The tiny pore size (smaller than the mean free path of air molecules, ~70 nm at standard pressure) suppresses convective heat transfer within the pores.
Silica Skeleton: The amorphous silica network minimizes conductive heat transfer, with solid-phase conductivity contributing only 10-15% of total heat flux.
High Porosity: With over 95% air volume, the material limits conductive pathways, making it an ideal barrier against both conductive and convective heat flow.
Aerospace and Aviation Applications
In aerospace engineering, where weight reduction directly impacts fuel efficiency, Runhui's insulation paper is used in:
Cryogenic Tank Insulation: Maintaining liquid oxygen (-183°C) and hydrogen (-253°C) storage temperatures in launch vehicles, reducing boil-off rates by 30% compared to conventional multilayer insulations.
Avionics Cooling: Protecting sensitive electronic components in aircraft from temperature fluctuations (-50°C to +85°C) without adding significant mass. A Boeing 787 Dreamliner utilizes over 200 kg of aerogel-based insulations, contributing to its 20% lower fuel consumption compared to older models.
Electric Vehicle (EV) Battery Safety
In EVs, thermal runaway-a chain reaction of overheating in lithium-ion batteries-poses a critical safety risk. Runhui's 50-100μm-thin insulation sheets, certified to UL 94 V-0 (the highest flammability resistance rating), act as effective thermal barriers:
Thermal Runaway Mitigation: Testing by a major EV manufacturer showed that these sheets delayed temperature rise between battery cells by 500 seconds during a fault condition, compared to 120 seconds with conventional polypropylene separators.
Energy Density Preservation: By maintaining optimal operating temperatures (25-45°C), the material extends battery cycle life by 15-20%, a key factor in improving EV range and reducing replacement costs.
Industrial Applications
Pipe Insulation for Extreme Environments
In industrial settings, pipelines transporting steam (up to 600°C) or cryogenic liquids (-196°C) require insulations that balance thermal performance with mechanical durability. Runhui's solution offers:
Longevity: Laboratory tests simulating 20 years of exposure to UV radiation, 10% sulfuric acid, and 50% sodium hydroxide showed less than 5% degradation in thermal conductivity.
Energy Savings: A case study in a chemical plant demonstrated that replacing foam insulation with aerogel paper on 500 meters of steam pipes reduced heat loss by 40%, resulting in annual energy savings equivalent to 120 metric tons of coal.
The material's flexibility simplifies installation on irregular surfaces, reducing labor costs by 25% compared to rigid insulation boards. Its low water absorption (<1% by weight) eliminates mold growth and corrosion under insulation, a common issue in humid environments.
High-Temperature Equipment Protection
For industrial furnaces, reactors, and power generation systems operating at temperatures up to 1,000°C, Runhui's insulation paper provides a lightweight alternative to refractory bricks:
Space Optimization: A 3mm-thick sheet offers the same thermal resistance as a 10mm ceramic fiber board, allowing compact equipment design in petrochemical refineries and steel mills.
Thermal Cycling Resistance: The material withstands 1,000+ cycles between room temperature and 800°C without cracking, outperforming traditional insulations that fail after 200 cycles.
In electronics, the paper's electrical insulation strength (5-6 kV/mm) makes it suitable for 5G base stations and electric vehicle inverters, where it prevents arcing while dissipating hotspot temperatures (up to 150°C) in microprocessors.
ISO Certification and Quality Assurance
Runhui's Aerogel Insulation Paper is certified to ISO 9001 (Quality Management) and ISO 14001 (Environmental Management), ensuring consistent product performance and sustainable manufacturing practices. The company's quality control process:
Thermal Conductivity Testing: Using guarded hot plate apparatus (ASTM C177) to verify values within ±3% of specified parameters.
Mechanical Testing: Tensile strength tests (ASTM D882) confirming a minimum elongation at break of 5%, critical for handling during installation.
Flammability Testing: Compliance with EN 45545-2 (railway applications) and FAR 25.853 (aerospace), ensuring safety in transportation sectors.
Customization capabilities further enhance its market appeal, with options for:
Thickness: 0.1mm (ultra-thin for wearables) to 10mm (heavy-duty industrial use)
Surface Coatings: Aluminum foil for radiant heat reflection (reducing emissivity to 0.15) or anti-static treatments for electronic applications
Cutting & Lamination: Precision die-cutting for complex shapes and lamination with adhesive layers for peel-and-stick installation
Market Dominance of Silica Aerogels
While carbon, alumina, and polymer aerogels exist, silica-based variants account for over 80% of global aerogel production:
Cost-Effectiveness: Silica precursors (tetraethyl orthosilicate) are widely available and cheaper than carbon or metal oxide raw materials.
Thermal Stability: Operational temperature range (-200°C to +600°C), broader than organic aerogels which degrade above 200°C.
Processability: Ease of integration with fibrous matrices to form flexible sheets, unlike brittle ceramic aerogels.
The global aerogel market, valued at USD 1.2 billion in 2024, is projected to grow at a CAGR of 18% through 2030, driven by:
EV Adoption: Demand for battery thermal management materials is expected to quadruple by 2028, according to BloombergNEF.
Industrial Energy Efficiency: Stringent carbon emission regulations in the EU (ETS) and China are prompting manufacturers to upgrade insulation systems.
Consumer Electronics: Miniaturization trends require thinner, more efficient thermal solutions for 5G devices and wearable tech.
Runhui occupies a significant share of the Asia-Pacific market, supplying to major OEMs in China, Japan, and South Korea, with export revenues growing at 25% annually.
Sustainability Commitment
While silica aerogel production traditionally has high energy requirements, Runhui has implemented:
Waste Recycling: 95% of process water is recycled, and spent solvents are recovered via distillation
Energy Efficiency: Solar panels installed at manufacturing facilities meet 20% of electricity needs
Lightweight Solutions: By enabling thinner insulation layers, the company helps reduce material waste and transportation emissions across industries
Revolutionizing Railway Insulation
A major European train manufacturer faced challenges with traditional insulation in high-speed trains: bulky materials increased weight, while moisture absorption led to mold growth in undercarriage components. Runhui's solution:
3mm Aerogel Insulation Paper with Aluminum Foil Coating
Results:
40% weight reduction compared to mineral wool
90% lower moisture absorption over 12 months in coastal environments
Compliance with EN 45545-2 R22 fire safety standards, critical for passenger safety
This project exemplifies how Runhui's product addresses multiple pain points-weight, durability, and safety-simultaneously, driving adoption in regulated industries.
Expanding the Aerogel Frontier
As industries continue to prioritize efficiency, miniaturization, and safety, the role of silica-based aerogels-especially in insulation paper form-will only grow. Emerging applications:
Building Envelopes: Ultra-thin aerogel panels for passive houses, achieving R-values (thermal resistance) of 5 m²K/W in just 20mm thickness
Renewable Energy: Thermal management in concentrated solar power plants and hydrogen fuel cells
Defense Sector: Lightweight ballistic thermal shields for military vehicles, combining heat resistance with impact protection
Zhejiang Runhui, with its focus on innovation and customer-centric engineering, is well-positioned to lead these advancements, ensuring that silica aerogels remain the most common and impactful type of aerogel for decades to come.
The Modern Technology of Aerogel Insulation
The Silica-based aerogels-epitomized by Runhui's Aerogel Insulation Paper-stand out their unique combination of low thermal conductivity, mechanical flexibility, and cost-effective production. From safeguarding EV batteries to optimizing industrial energy use, these materials have become an invisible yet indispensable component of modern technology. As global industries strive for greater efficiency and sustainability, the dominance of silica aerogels is a testament to human ingenuity in harnessing nanoscale structures for macroscale impact. Zhejiang Runhui's leadership in this field highlights how innovative materials can drive progress across sectors, proving that the future of insulation is about keeping things warm and cold-it's about enabling technologies that were once deemed impossible.