2.1.

Bricks Thermal insulation enhancement

The past studies recommend many ways of attaining this objective, each with its distinguishable
merits and considerations. Improving the insulation features of bricks is an important feature of
enhancing the energy usage and the thermal efficiency of structures. The techniques below were
looked at extensively to improve the thermal insulation efficiency of bricks.
1. Use of Insulating Materials:
Integrating insulating materials in the brick structures, like adding low weight components or
suing perforated bricks has been examined. Such material crate air pockets that usually act as
heat barriers. (Hou et al., 2018).
2. Aerogel-Infused Bricks:
Aerogels are known the be highly porous and with low thermal conductivity, with this
understanding, aerogels have been used in brick formulations. The integration of aerogels
focuses on lowering the general thermal conductivity of these clay bricks. (Wernery et al., 2017).
3. Double-Wall Construction:
Construction of double-walls so a s to create an air gap provided extra insulation features,
avoiding direct heat transmission and enhancing general thermal resistance (Malbila et al., 2021).

4. Phase Change Materials (PCMs):

These materials aids in controlling inside temperatures by keeping and releasing heat as required.
The incorporation of these materials in bricks permits for thermal energy intake and release
especially during phase changes. (Kant et al., 2017).
5. Application of External Insulation:
This mechanism has shown to be effective in preventing thermal span as well as enhancing
general heat insulation. Outside insulation approaches involve adding insulation materials, like
rigid foam surfaces or mineral wool and the outside surface of the brick wall. (Pan et al., 2012).
6. Innovative Coatings:
These coverings have very low coefficient of thermal conductivity, these coating are of specific
paints and ceramic coverings. Scientists recommended the use of these beneficial coverings with
good insulation properties on the exposed surfaces of bricks (Plakhotnikov et al., 2020).
7. Green Roofs and Walls:
 These type of covering provide a nature based insulation, scaling down the heat transfer on the
surface walls. Incorporating green roofs or walls in building plans involves propagating
vegetation on the outside surfaces.
8. Thermal Breaks and Insulated Connectors:
Incorporating thermal breaks or insulated links within the brick structure helps minimize thermal
transfer via structural elements. This is specifically important in avoiding thermal bridging.
9. Vacuum Insulation Panels (VIPs):
VIPs, which consist of a core material enclosed in a vacuum, offer extremely low thermal
conductivity. Studies have explored the integration of VIPs into bricks to enhance their
insulation properties (Isaia et al., 2015).
Table 2-1. Comparison among techniques used in enhancing thermal performance of bricks in buildings.

Technique Description Advantages Disadvantages

Insulating Lightweight aggregates or Cost-effective, integrates May not achieve high R-values,
Materials in Brick hollow bricks create air seamlessly with limited options for existing
Structure pockets for insulation. construction. buildings.
Highly porous aerogel High R-value potential, High production cost, limited
Aerogel-Infused
additives reduce brick's lightweight. availability, potential concerns
Bricks
thermal conductivity. about aerogel durability in bricks.
Two brick layers with air Excellent R-value, More complex construction,
Double-Wall
gap provide additional improved sound insulation. increased wall thickness,
Construction
insulation. potentially higher cost.
PCMs absorb and release Improved thermal comfort, Higher cost than traditional
Phase Change heat during phase reduces energy materials, limited control over
Materials (PCMs) transitions, regulating consumption. temperature range, potential
indoor temperature. durability concerns.
Rigid foam boards or Effective for existing Requires additional surface
External mineral wool applied to buildings, prevents thermal preparation, aesthetics may be
Insulation exterior brick wall. bridges. affected, potential fire concerns
with some materials.
Low-conductivity paints or
Non-invasive, potentially Limited R-value improvement,
Innovative
ceramic coatings applied to
cost-effective for existing durability and effectiveness may
Coatings
brick surface. buildings. vary depending on coating type.
Vegetation on exterior
Improved thermal Requires regular maintenance, not
Green Roofs and surfaces provides natural
performance, enhanced suitable for all roof types, weight
Walls insulation and reduces heat
aesthetics, environmental considerations.
gain. benefits.
Thermal Breaks Minimize heat transfer
Effective for reducing May add complexity to
and Insulated through structural elements.
thermal bridges, improves construction, increase material
Connectors overall insulation. costs.
VIPs integrated within Ultra-low thermal Very high cost, complex
Vacuum Insulation bricks offer exceptional conductivity, minimal manufacturing and integration,
Panels (VIPs) thermal performance. space requirement. durability concerns under building
loads.