Insulation Materials for the Building Sector: A Review and Comparative Analysis

The article provides a thorough review of the main conventional and advanced building insulation materials, examining and comparing their characteristics and performances, including costs and environmental features, and illustrating the most suitable solutions to increase the energy and environmental efficiency of new and existing buildings according to the operating and application conditions. Mineral, synthetic and bio-based insulation materials, including aerogel nanoporous materials, are compared in terms of thermo-hygrometric properties, mechanical strength, fire reaction, acoustic performance, ease of installation and workability on site, durability, costs, and environmental sustainability of the life cycle.