EVALUATION OF AEROGEL APPLICATION FOR WINDOWS

Abstract

Aerogel, a solid compound at room temperature with low density is commonly used in industries such as that of aerospace, automobile as well as in the production of oil and gas. Its functional characteristics catered to solve heat emission problems have also motivated its usage in the building industry in the United States and European countries. Due to the fact that this application is currently uncommon in Asian countries as various factors such as its high cost, supply chain and perhaps cultural difference lead to much exciting exploration ahead in this under utilized technology. Hence, this thesis seeks to explore the potential of Aerogel in building application, particularly the window system arena in Singapore. The Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP), a decision-making tool which makes realistic and useful comparisons against existing conventional materials is used and have proved the dominance of Aerogel against its competing materials. Possible compounding factors are also studied to gain a better understanding of users’ perceptive via statistical method Conjoint Analysis, where several profiles are created for hypothesis testing. This method has confirmed the Aerogel’s potential in the building industry based on the interest and confidence level of the experts and public alike. However, further research would have to be embarked on to explore further usage of Aerogel in the many other aspects in the building industry.