Vacuum insulation is an advanced thermal insulation technology that significantly outperforms conventional materials, such as foam or fiber. The study of this new technology is the first step towards making improvements in the applications of insulation panels to provide energy-efficient and cost saving solutions. The focus this summer has been on creating prototypes using acrylic and Kevlar thread to further improve the quality of insulation panels and make them more efficient. Using a carbon dioxide laser system, acrylic was cut and small prototypes were produced. The insulation panel was sealed in a plastic bag and a small vacuum pump was used to evacuate the air. The results gathered during the research program indicate that Kevlar thread is strong and can provide support without breaking, making the insulation panel effective. Stronger conclusions will arise after further testing and research in this area.

In the present study effect of different plasters like cement plaster, mud, cow dung and coatings like paint, hydrated lime, charcoal on the thermo – physical properties such as thermal conductivity, overall thermal transmittance, resistance of Light Weight Blocks (LWB) using pond ash has been evaluated. Result of the study state that, cow dung is the best amongst all other plasters used. Cow dung increases thermal resistance of Light Weight Block (LWB) from 0.391 to 0.505 m2K/W. Thermal resistance increased by using other plasters lies between 0.391 to 0.505 m2K/W. The study of curing of LWB from 56 days to 90 days has been made and it is found that thermal conductivity is reduced by 5% and thermal resistance is increased by 3% comparing the duration of curing from 56 to 90 days. Further, effect of activator on the compressive strength & demolding time has also been studied. When activator is used, there is an increase in compressive strength at 56 & 90 days at all levels of replacement when compared to without activator. Reduction in demolding time from 48 hrs. varies between 6 – 12 hrs.

In the present study, use of marble dust an inert filler produced by the marble cutting industries in the development of light weight block (LWB) of density 800 kg/m3 by non-auto clave method has been studied. Various mechanical and thermo-physical properties have been evaluated. It has been possible to replace cement by up to 20% when no additive is used. With the use of activator and super plasticizer at 50% replacement of cement by marble dust, compressive strength and water absorption are well within the Indian standard code 2185. With the use of accelerator and super plasticizer it is possible to reduce the de moulding time from 48 hrs to 6 hrs. Thermal conductivity of blocks varies from 1.16 to 2.30 [W/mK]. The variation in thermal conductivity depends upon its density which varies from 800 kg/m3 to 2400 kg/m3.