Provided is an insulation product, optionally in a tubular form, that includes a coated foam insulation layer, where the foam insulation layer has a closed-cell structure. The coating can comprise a thermoplastic elastomer that seamlessly covers and is bonded to an outer surface of the elastomeric foam layer in the absence of an adhesive bonding material to protect the foam insulation layer, e.g., during outdoor insulation applications. A pipe where the insulation product is installed is also provided, as is a method of installing the insulation product, and a method of producing the insulation product.

Provided is an insulation product, optionally in a tubular form, that includes a coated foam insulation layer, where the foam insulation layer has a closed-cell structure. The coating can comprise a thermoplastic elastomer that seamlessly covers and is bonded to an outer surface of the elastomeric foam layer in the absence of an adhesive bonding material to protect the foam insulation layer, e.g., during outdoor insulation applications. A pipe where the insulation product is installed is also provided, as is a method of installing the insulation product, and a method of producing the insulation product.

A method for applying a flexible cladding material to an outer surface of an insulation layer for a pipe section includes providing the insulation layer in the shape of a cylinder and providing first and a second supporting elements with a gap therebetween. A layer of the flexible cladding material is arranged between the insulation layer and the first and second supporting elements. The insulation layer and the supporting elements are moved in relation to each other in such manner that the insulation layer and at least part of the layer of the flexible cladding material is moved through the gap between the first and the second supporting elements. The two supporting elements are moved toward one other after the insulation layer and the layer of flexible cladding material has passed through the gap. The flexible cladding material is adhesively connected to the insulation layer during or after the steps.

A method for applying a flexible cladding material to an outer surface of an insulation layer for a pipe section includes providing the insulation layer in the shape of a cylinder and providing first and a second supporting elements with a gap therebetween. A layer of the flexible cladding material is arranged between the insulation layer and the first and second supporting elements. The insulation layer and the supporting elements are moved in relation to each other in such manner that the insulation layer and at least part of the layer of the flexible cladding material is moved through the gap between the first and the second supporting elements. The two supporting elements are moved toward one other after the insulation layer and the layer of flexible cladding material has passed through the gap. The flexible cladding material is adhesively connected to the insulation layer during or after the steps.

A heat insulation structure and a liquid supply system that can prevent breakage of a heat insulation member while providing satisfactory heat insulation. The heat insulation structure includes heat insulation members 520 provided between two components and having heat conductivity lower than the two components and a slidable member 530 slidable on the heat insulation member 520. At least two of the heat insulation members 520 are arranged along the direction of compression by the two components, and at least one of the slidable member 530 is disposed between the heat insulation members which are adjacent to each other. The heat insulation members 520 and the slidable member 530 are allowed to be displaced in directions perpendicular to the direction of compression.

A heat insulation structure and a liquid supply system that can prevent breakage of a heat insulation member while providing satisfactory heat insulation. The heat insulation structure includes heat insulation members 520 provided between two components and having heat conductivity lower than the two components and a slidable member 530 slidable on the heat insulation member 520. At least two of the heat insulation members 520 are arranged along the direction of compression by the two components, and at least one of the slidable member 530 is disposed between the heat insulation members which are adjacent to each other. The heat insulation members 520 and the slidable member 530 are allowed to be displaced in directions perpendicular to the direction of compression.

Embodiments of the present invention provide a self-molding composite system for insulation and covering operations. The self-molding composite system may be cured to form any desired shaped for insulation and covering operations. The composite system comprises one or more layers that may create a rigid layered composite when cured. The one or more layers of the composite system may include a base layer that is a braided, knit, or non-woven fiber based substrate, an interstitial matrix layer, and customizable top coat. The customizable top coat may be a solvent based polymer solution that includes various additives that may include color pigments, additives for additional abrasion protection, additives for thermal protection, and/or additives for creating various textures or visible appearances to the composite system.

Embodiments of the present invention provide a self-molding composite system for insulation and covering operations. The self-molding composite system may be cured to form any desired shaped for insulation and covering operations. The composite system comprises one or more layers that may create a rigid layered composite when cured. The one or more layers of the composite system may include a base layer that is a braided, knit, or non-woven fiber based substrate, an interstitial matrix layer, and customizable top coat. The customizable top coat may be a solvent based polymer solution that includes various additives that may include color pigments, additives for additional abrasion protection, additives for thermal protection, and/or additives for creating various textures or visible appearances to the composite system.

A silica nanofiber material includes a flexible mat comprising a plurality of silica nanofibers. An electrical device may include an electrical component and the silica nanofiber material disposed over the electrical component. A method of forming a silica nanofiber material includes electrospinning a fluid comprising a silica precursor and a polymer to form electrospun fibers, removing at least a portion of the polymer from the electrospun fibers to form silica nanofibers, and annealing the silica nanofibers to bind the silica nanofibers together.

Embodiments of the present invention provide a self-molding composite system for insulation and covering operations. The self-molding composite system may be cured to form any desired shaped for insulation and covering operations. The composite system comprises one or more layers that may create a rigid layered composite when cured. The one or more layers of the composite system may include a base layer that is a braided, knit, or non-woven fiber based substrate, an interstitial matrix layer, and customizable top coat. The customizable top coat may be a solvent based polymer solution that includes various additives that may include color pigments, additives for additional abrasion protection, additives for thermal protection, and/or additives for creating various textures or visible appearances to the composite system.