Overview
MEVAC® Fumed Silica VIP is a finished vacuum insulation panel with a microporous fumed silica powder core hermetically sealed inside a multilayer metallic/EVOH barrier laminate film and evacuated to high vacuum. The fumed silica core consists of amorphous SiO₂ nanoparticles with particle sizes in the 5–50 nm range and a BET surface area typically above 100 m²/g. This nanostructured matrix creates extremely fine interconnected pores that suppress gas-phase conduction effectively even at reduced but non-perfect vacuum levels, making fumed silica core panels notably more tolerant of barrier film permeation over service life than glass fiber core alternatives.
At 24°C and initial vacuum, the effective thermal conductivity is <0.0045 W/(m·K) — approximately 5–8× better than PIR foam board of the same thickness. The panel is effective across a broad service temperature range of −86°C to +90°C, covering cryogenic cold chain, ambient pharmaceutical shipping, and moderate-temperature building envelope applications within a single product family. Density of the panel assembly is 185 ± 10% kg/m³.
MEVAC® Fumed Silica VIP panels are supplied to ordered dimensions and must not be cut on site — any field cutting breaks the hermetic vacuum seal and irreversibly degrades thermal performance to near-ambient values. System designers must specify all panel dimensions at the enquiry stage. East Materials supports custom-dimensioned orders across the full thickness range of 5–50 mm and widths up to 1400 × 800 mm.
Technical Specifications
| Property | Unit | Value |
|---|---|---|
| Core material | — | Fumed silica (amorphous SiO₂ nanopowder) |
| Effective thermal conductivity (λ) at 24°C | W/(m·K) | <0.0045 |
| Service temperature range | °C | −86 to +90 |
| Panel density | kg/m³ | 185 ± 10% |
| Maximum panel size | mm | 1400 × 800 |
| Thickness range | mm | 5–50 |
| Barrier film | — | Multilayer metallic/EVOH laminate |
| Core structure | — | Microporous nanopowder |
| Humidity cycling resistance | — | Excellent |
| Field cutting | — | Not permitted — vacuum seal integrity |
▶Show full content (3 sections)
Applications
Cold Chain Packaging
Fumed silica VIPs are widely used in pharmaceutical cold chain shippers, vaccine carriers, and temperature-controlled packaging systems operating across a wide temperature window. The −86°C lower limit accommodates ultra-cold chain applications (dry ice, liquid nitrogen-precooled packaging). The robust silica core tolerates the thermal stress of repeated temperature cycling better than glass fiber cores, making it the preferred choice for reusable cold chain assets.
Building & Construction Insulation
In passive house construction, low-energy renovations, and highly insulated facade systems, fumed silica VIPs deliver U-values below 0.15 W/(m²·K) in wall assemblies as thin as 30 mm total (panel + cladding). The wide service temperature range supports both northern cold climate and southern warm climate building envelopes. Panels are integrated into prefabricated wall elements at the factory level — not cut on site.
Industrial Thermal Management
Applications include insulated process vessels, cryogenic storage accessories, and laboratory equipment where maintaining tight temperature control in a compact form factor is required. The +90°C upper limit extends usability into moderate-heat environments beyond typical cold chain scope.
Appliance Insulation
Fumed silica VIPs are used in refrigerator door panels and side walls where their humidity tolerance and wide temperature range deliver long service life in the variable thermal and humidity environments typical of domestic appliances.
Packaging & Storage
MEVAC® Fumed Silica VIP panels are individually wrapped in polyethylene protective film and stacked with rigid cardboard interlayers and corner guards before palletizing for export. Each pallet is stretch-wrapped. Standard export packaging: 20' GP FCL quantities discussed at enquiry based on panel size and thickness configuration.
Storage requirements:
- Store panels horizontally or vertically in purpose-built racks — do not lean unprotected against walls
- Keep dry; avoid direct contact with water or high humidity environments
- Do not place heavy items on panel surfaces
- Do not puncture, score, or compress panel edges
- Check vacuum integrity with a surface heat-mapping tool before installation
- Sealed panel shelf life in proper storage: typically 10+ years (contact East Materials for barrier film permeation data)
MOQ and lead time: discussed at enquiry. Contact East Materials with panel dimensions, quantity, and required delivery schedule.
Related Products
- VIP Panels — parent hub: full MEVAC® range overview
- MEVAC® Glass Fiber VIP — <0.0020 W/(m·K), lower λ for −60°C to +80°C range
- MEVAC® PUF VIP — glass fiber core with PU foam jacket for contoured geometries
- MEVAC® Fumed Silica Core M200 — pre-formed fumed silica core board for panel manufacturers
- Aerogel Insulation — complementary flexible insulation for irregular shapes
Request a quote, COA, or sample
Fill in the form. Our application chemists respond within 24 hours with full COA / MSDS and a sample plan.