Understanding ASTM C1728: The Benchmark Standard for Flexible Aerogel Insulation

Introduction: Why ASTM C1728 Matters

Flexible aerogel insulation blankets are increasingly used across industrial facilities for their exceptional thermal performance, space-saving form, and hydrophobicity. But how can practitioners ensure the aerogel products they specify are reliable and fit for purpose? The answer lies in ASTM C1728: the definitive performance standard for flexible aerogel insulation.

Published by ASTM International, ASTM C1728 sets out the classification, testing, and performance criteria for aerogel blankets used in a wide temperature range (from -196°C to 649°C). Compliance with this standard ensures that an insulation product has been rigorously tested for thermal performance, safety, durability, and corrosion compatibility—a vital assurance for specifiers and facility owners.

What Does ASTM C1728 Cover?

Figure 1: Performance & Testing Standards for High-Temperature Insulation Materials

ASTM C1728 defines five Types of flexible aerogel insulation based on maximum service temperature, and sets minimum performance requirements across the following categories:

These requirements collectively validate that a product will perform well thermally, withstand industrial handling, resist moisture and corrosion, and not contribute to hazards like fire or CUI (corrosion under insulation).

Why It Matters in the Field

Each test in ASTM C1728 is designed with real-world challenges in mind:

Thermal conductivity testing assures you get performance in thin profiles, saving space and weight.
Water resistance ensures insulation won’t soak and degrade over time, especially important in humid or wet environments.
Corrosion testing gives confidence that the insulation will not damage the very pipes it protects.
Mechanical and fire safety testing ensures durability, safety, and ease of installation.

For users in sectors like oil & gas, petrochemicals, power, and food processing, these validations help reduce lifecycle costs, improve energy efficiency, and minimize downtime.

When to Specify ASTM C1728

If you’re selecting aerogel insulation for high-temperature pipes, cryogenic lines, or moisture-prone environments, specifying ASTM C1728 (and ASTM C795 if installing over stainless steel) is a best practice. Many major engineering firms and asset owners already mandate this in insulation specs.

Look for:

Clear mention of ASTM C1728 Type (e.g., Type III for up to 649°C)
Supporting test data or certifications from the supplier
C795 compliance for stainless steel applications

Conclusion: A Smarter Way to Specify Aerogel

ASTM C1728 transforms aerogel insulation from a niche specialty into a trusted industrial material. For insulation engineers, specifiers, and plant managers, it offers a robust framework to evaluate and approve products with confidence.

By insisting on ASTM C1728 compliance, you’re choosing insulation that has been tested, proven, and built to perform, so you can deliver better energy efficiency, safer operations, and longer-lasting assets.

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