A Screening Approach to the Safe‐and‐Sustainable‐by‐Design Development of Advanced Insulation Materials

Abstract

Herein, a Safe‐and‐Sustainable‐by‐Design (SSbD) screening strategy on four different inorganic aerogel mats and two conventional mineral wools for ranking purposes is demonstrated. Given that they do not consist of particles, the release is first simulated, addressing three occupational exposure scenarios, realistic for their intended use as building insulators. No exposure to consumers nor to the environment is foreseen in the use phase, however, aerosols may be released during mat installation, posing an inhalation risk for workers. All four aerogel mats release more respirable dust than the benchmark materials and 60% thereof deposits in the alveolar region according to modelling tools. The collected aerogel dust allows for subsequent screening of hazard implications via two abiotic assays: 1) surface reactivity in human blood serum; 2) biodissolution kinetics in lung simulant fluids. Both aerogels and conventional insulators show similar surface reactivity. Differences in biodissolution are influenced by the specifically designed organic and inorganic structural modifications. Aerogel mats are better‐performing insulators (2‐fold lower thermal conductivity than the benchmark) However, this work demonstrates how investment decisions can be balanced with safety and sustainability aspects. Concepts of analogy and similarity thus support easily accessible methods to companies for safe and economically viable innovation with advanced materials.

Advanced materials earliest assessment (AMEA)

“…We believe that fewer, more targeted questions are needed. 77 One should add that the cost of the entire R&D project (including SSbD screenings) compared to the expected commercial value are important for industrial decision-making. 42…”

“…Following the recommendation to assess the form of release (Table 1) and to ensure that the AdMa does not interfere with the assay (Table 1), several complementary methods of aerosol count and identification were combined in the tests. 77 Also the recommendation of hazard screenings on released fragments is possible and relevant, as demonstrated on the example of organic aerogels, 62 which serve different intended uses.…”