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.

An air duct transporting air between an interior location within a building and an air management system exterior to the building where the duct includes a metal duct wall with a layer of rigid insulation material surrounding at least the exterior part of the metal duct wall and carrying an outer foil layer. A covering material surrounds the rigid insulation, the covering material comprising a self-adhesive polyester layer bonded to the exterior surface of the rigid insulation.

According to one aspect, a hybrid high temperature thermal insulation includes a mix of inorganic granules. The granular mix includes at least 70 weight percent porous inorganic granules in the form of expanded perlite, and at most 30 weight percent second porous inorganic granules other than expanded perlite. The hybrid insulation also includes a binder. In example formulations, the second porous inorganic particles may be made from crushed aerogel, from fumed silica, from precipitated silica, or from other substances. The hybrid insulation may be formed into preferred shapes, for example a board shape or a semi-cylindrical shape configured to fit over a round tube of a predetermined diameter.

According to one aspect, a hybrid high temperature thermal insulation includes a mix of inorganic granules. The granular mix includes at least 70 weight percent porous inorganic granules in the form of expanded perlite, and at most 30 weight percent second porous inorganic granules other than expanded perlite. The hybrid insulation also includes a binder. In example formulations, the second porous inorganic particles may be made from crushed aerogel, from fumed silica, from precipitated silica, or from other substances. The hybrid insulation may be formed into preferred shapes, for example a board shape or a semi-cylindrical shape configured to fit over a round tube of a predetermined diameter.

According to one aspect, a hybrid high temperature thermal insulation includes a mix of inorganic granules. The granular mix includes at least 70 weight percent porous inorganic granules in the form of expanded perlite, and at most 30 weight percent second porous inorganic granules other than expanded perlite. The hybrid insulation also includes a binder. In example formulations, the second porous inorganic particles may be made from crushed aerogel, from fumed silica, from precipitated silica, or from other substances. The hybrid insulation may be formed into preferred shapes, for example a board shape or a semi-cylindrical shape configured to fit over a round tube of a predetermined diameter.