Nano insulation materials for application in nZEB

The energy efficiency of Nearly Zero Energy Buildings, whose construction will be compulsory in the near future across the European Union, imposes among other improvements of the actual common practice, the thermal behavior optimization of the elements that define the building envelope. In order to satisfy the nZEB requirements, the resulted conventional thermal insulation has increased thickness, which is inconvenient in several cases. In the paper it is presented an alternative solution, given by Nano insulation materials, such as aerogel and vacuum insulation panels, which have very good thermal insulating properties at reduced thickness. The research is conducted by reviewing several scientific articles regarding this subject. There are presented the properties and the improvement needs of the Nano insulation materials. Due to the novelty of this research field the article is a starting point for further studies following the integration of these materials into nZEB components. (C) 2018 The Authors. Published by Elsevier B.V.