Dow Corning, a global leader in the development of silicone technology for the high-performance building industry, has introduced the new Dow Corning Vacuum Insulation Panel (VIP) which is claimed to feature five to 10 times better thermal resistance than conventional insulation materials.

Predicted to maintain more than 50 per cent of their thermal performance after 30 years, these high-efficiency panels also have a thin-profile construction and enable slim wall constructions to maximise usable floor spaces.

The product was launched at the US Green Building Council’s Greenbuild 2012, held last month (November) at the Moscone Centre in San Francisco, California, US.

“In a world where energy regulations are becomingly increasingly strict and available space is at a premium. VIPs are empowering designers to deliver high quality architecture with environmental impact in mind,” says a spokesman for the company.

The Dow Corning Vacuum Insulation Panel also features good compression strength and fire rating, and it contains up to 95 per cent pre-consumer recycled content in the core and post-consumer recycled content in the packaging.

The panels have been employed as a developmental product at Birmingham University, a leading university in the UK. Insulating glass manufacturer Crystal Units chose high-efficiency Dow Corning Vacuum Insulation Panels for this project to increase thermal insulation between the glass panes of the spandrel units.

“As a leading UK academic institution and a ‘listed’ building of special historical interest, it was especially important the aesthetic of the University of Birmingham façade be preserved during refurbishment,” says the spokesman.

Meanwhile, Dow Corning also showcased high-performance silicone sealant products at Greenbuild 2012. The proven Dow Corning 758 silicone weather barrier sealant offers excellent unprimed adhesion to a wide range of materials. It also brings long-term durability, consistent adhesion performance and compatibility, and ease of use for sealing challenging weather barrier substrates. And with plus-minus 25 per cent movement capability, architects benefit from increased design flexibility.

Dow Corning is collaborating with industry professionals around the world to develop solutions to improve the energy efficiency of buildings, reduce the eco-footprint of construction materials, and improve the health and safety of building occupants.