Technology

Technology

Nano facade insulation is based on a specially developed coating technology that combines modern material science with physical principles of heat transfer — at just approx. 1 mm layer thickness instead of large material thicknesses.

House in cross-section: warm interior air is reflected at the coated wall, while heat loss to the outside is visibly reduced

Structure of the nano coating

The coating consists of a multi-layer system build-up:

  • Primer (depending on the substrate)
  • Nano-functional coating
  • Protective and sealing layer

Inside the functional layer are microscopically small particles and cavities that specifically affect heat transfer.

The Knudsen effect explained simply

An important physical effect within the coating is the so-called Knudsen effect: it occurs when gas molecules are inside extremely small cavities. The pores are so small that air molecules can only move to a limited extent — collisions between molecules are reduced, while interactions with the pore walls dominate instead. Heat transport within these structures is thereby reduced. This is not classic convection, but a physical restriction of molecular movement.

Two effects, one principle: the thermos flask

A thermos flask keeps hot or cold liquids at temperature for a long time — not through a thick wall, but through two principles within its double-wall construction: a mirrored surface that reflects radiant heat, and a vacuum between the walls that almost completely blocks heat conduction. The nano coating uses the same two principles — just within a coating a few millimetres thick instead of a double wall.

Comparison of a thermos flask and the nano coating: on the left, the mirrored inner wall reflects heat radiation and the vacuum gap reduces heat conduction. On the right, the coating surface reflects sunlight, and hollow ceramic nanospheres with vacuum inside reduce heat conduction.
The same principle in both cases: reflection at the surface (effect 1) and reduced heat conduction through vacuum within the material (effect 2).

Material technology from high-performance industries

The materials used are based on technologies also used in industrial applications: special ceramic structures, microscopic hollow bodies and resistant binders ensure stability, weather resistance and durability.

Distinction from classic insulation

Classic systems such as ETICS work through material thickness and require several centimetres of insulation material. Nano facade insulation works through material structure, needs only approx. 1 mm layer thickness, and can be applied directly to existing surfaces.