Disclosed is a method to produce composite materials, which contain customized mixes of nano- and/or micro-particles with tailored electromagnetic spectral properties, structural elements based thereon, in particular layers, but also bulk materials including inhomogeneous bulk materials. In some embodiments the IR-reflectivity is enhanced predominantly independently of reflectivity for visible wavelength. The enhanced IR-reflectivity is achieved by combining spectral properties from a plurality of nano- and/or micro-particles of distinct size distribution, shape distribution, chemical composition, crystal structure, and crystallinity distribution. This enables to approximate desired target spectra better than know solutions, which comprise only a single type of particles and/or an uncontrolled natural size distribution. Furthermore disclosed are methods of manufacturing such materials, including ceramics, clay, and concrete, as well as applications related to design and construction of buildings or other confined spaces.

According to one embodiment, a polyisocyanurate foam board is described. The foam board includes a polyisocyanurate core that is produced from: an isocyanate, a polyol, and a phosphorous containing non-halogenated fire retardant. The foam board also includes a facer material that is applied to at least one surface of the polyisocyanurate core. The polyisocyanurate core has an isocyanate index greater than about 200 and is able to forms a sufficiently stable char when exposed to flame conditions to enable the polyisocyanurate core to pass the ASTM E-84 test. The foam board has an initial R-value of at least 6.40 and exhibits an ASTM E1354-11b test performance that is equivalent with or better than a similar foam board having a halogenated fire retardant, such as tris(2-chloroisopropyl)phosphate (TCPP).

A radiant barrier has a layer of a flexible polymer, such as TPO, and a layer of metallic aluminum bonded thereto. A reinforcement layer, such as a fiberglass scrim, and a layer of adhesive, such as EVA, may be used to strengthen the barrier and prevent de-lamination. LDPE may be incorporated into the TPO to increase strength. The barrier may also be a moisture barrier. The layers may be laminated by a heated roll set and the aluminum applied by vapor deposition.

Structural insulated wall and roof sheathing systems for use in building construction designed to provide a structural building envelope that is moisture permeable but protects from bulk water, excess air, and thermal transfer.

Insulated wall and roof sheathing systems for use in building construction designed to provide moisture permeable wall panels that protect from bulk water, excess air, and thermal transfer.

A production method for an aerogel laminate includes a step of preparing a sol of producing a sol for forming an aerogel, an applying step of applying the sol obtained in the step of preparing a sol to a support having a heat ray reflective function or a heat ray absorbing function, and drying the sol to form an aerogel layer, an aging step of aging the aerogel layer obtained in the applying step, a washing step of washing the aged aerogel layer and performing solvent exchange, and a drying step of drying the aerogel layer washed in the washing step.

An active insulated assembly for controlling heat transfer through insulated assemblies. The active insulated assembly includes a thermal conductor configured to actively move thermal energy from the active insulated assembly. The active insulated assembly also includes a first radiant barrier on a first side of the thermal conductor configured to reflect radiant energy back to its source and allow the assembly to resist heat transfer in either direction. The active insulated assembly further includes a second radiant barrier on a second side of the thermal conductor wherein the second side is opposite the first side, the second radiant barrier configured to reflect radiant energy back to its source and allow the assembly to resist heat transfer in either direction.

There is provided a decorative sheet which has satisfactory heat-shielding properties and can exhibit a design which is excellent in the degree of darkness. The decorative sheet includes an infrared-reflective substrate, and a decorative layer disposed on the substrate and including a solid printing layer and a picture layer, wherein the solid printing layer contains an infrared-transparent or infrared-reflective pigment and a binder resin, the infrared-transparent or infrared-reflective pigment containing (A) at least three compounds selected from the pigment group consisting of a quinacridone, an isoindolinone, a nickel azo complex and a phthalocyanine, or (B) at least one compound selected from the pigment group consisting of a composite oxide containing manganese and at least one metal element other than manganese, an azomethine-azo compound and a perylene compound, and wherein the picture layer at least partly contains carbon black and a binder resin.

An apparatus comprises a solar panel or solar tile; and a pultrusion fiber reinforced polymer (PFRP) bracket connected to the solar panel or solar tile. The PFRP bracket mounts the solar panel or solar tile on a roof, and is configured to elevate the solar panel or solar tile a sufficient amount above the roof to enable airflow to occur under the solar panel or solar tile. The PFRP material comprises fibers embedded in a resin matrix. Exemplary fibers are glass, carbon, and synthetic fibers. PFRP products can be formed using a pultrusion method that eliminates outgassing. An intumescent fire barrier can be applied to the PFRP to meet National Fire Protection Association fire endurance codes and standards.

In at least one embodiment, a microporous membrane having a moderate to high water vapor permeability and high liquid water penetration resistance is disclosed. The microporous membrane may be used in building applications, including as or as part of a building wrap, a rain screen, a roofing underlayment, a flashing, a sound proofing material, or an insulation material. The microporous membrane may include at least one thermoplastic polymer, at least one filler, and at least one processing oil. The microporous membrane may be flat or may have ribs. The microporous membrane may include at least one scrim component. A method for forming the microporous membrane is also disclosed.