Definition: High-performance insulation consisting of rigid panel with vacuum-sealed core, providing 5-10x better thermal resistance than conventional foam insulation per unit thickness.
Performance: R-value 30-50 per inch (vs. R-25 for polyurethane foam)
Advantages:
- Extremely thin profile for given insulation value
- Ideal where space is constrained
- Excellent for pharmaceutical packaging
Disadvantages:
- Very expensive (10-30x cost of foam)
- Fragile (puncture destroys vacuum and performance)
- Cannot be cut or modified on-site
Applications:
- High-value pharmaceutical shipping
- Space-constrained insulated containers
- Aircraft galley carts
- Laboratory freezers
Related Terms: Insulation, R-Value, Thermal Performance