Long-Term Thermal Stability of Aerogel and Basalt Fiber Pipeline Insulation Under Simulated Atmospheric Aging

Thermal insulation materials used in power and industrial systems must maintain high performance under extreme environmental conditions. Among such materials, aerogel and basalt fiber are widely applied due to their low thermal conductivity and ease of installation. However, over time, these materials are susceptible to degradation, which can significantly impair their insulating efficiency and increase energy losses. Despite their importance, the long-term behavior of these materials under realistic climatic stressors has not been analyzed enough. This study investigates the degradation of thermal insulation performance in aerogel and basalt fiber materials subjected to complex atmospheric stressors, simulating long-term outdoor exposure. Aerogel and basalt fiber mats were tested under accelerated aging conditions using an artificial weather chamber equipped with xenon lamps to replicate full-spectrum solar radiation, high humidity, and elevated temperatures. The results show that the thermal conductivity of aerogel remained stable, indicating excellent durability under environmental stress. In contrast, basalt fiber insulation exhibited a deterioration in thermal performance, with a 9–11% increase in thermal conductivity, corresponding to reduced thermal resistance. Computational modeling using COMSOL Multiphysics confirmed that aerogel insulation outperforms basalt fiber, especially at temperatures exceeding 200 °C, offering better heat retention with thinner layers. These findings suggest aerogel-based materials are more suitable for long-term thermal insulation of high-temperature pipelines and industrial equipment.