Towards Aerogel Blanket for Thermal Insulation in Buildings—Short Review

Significant quantities of plastic are manufactured annually, yet only 10% of it is recycled globally. This research investigates different approaches for valorizing and recycling plastic waste into aerogel blankets, with the goal of providing thermal insulation for building envelopes. The building industry is confronted with issues such as excessive energy use and significant greenhouse gas emissions. The aerogel blanket emerges as the most energy-efficient material capable of addressing these concerns, allowing for ecologically acceptable building practices with reduced greenhouse gas emissions. The study highlights current advances in raw materials and manufacturing procedures used to create aerogel blankets, focusing on their excellent thermal and mechanical performance. Furthermore, this study reveals research gaps in the field, providing insights into areas that could be investigated further in future research attempts.