Vacuum insulation panels open the door to self-healing buildings

摘要

Abuilding's exterior endures wear and tear from natural elements over time. Wind, rain, snow and even harsh sunlight can do costly damage. But what if a building could heal itself from cuts, tears and punctures, saving time and cost? It may sound better suited for science fiction, but ORNL's Building Envelope & Urban Systems Research Group may have found the answer to self-healing buildings by creating a novel multilayered barrier film with self-healing properties for vacuum insulation panels-or VIPs.