Thermal conductivity measurement of thermal insulating mortars with EPS and silica aerogel by steady-state and transient methods

It is concluded that the results are highly dependent on the temperature and the moisture content of the samples, and the measuring method. This study also shows that the thermal conductivity presents values with variations up to 21% and 14%, with different methods for the mortar's formulations with and without silica aerogel. It is also concluded that the thermal conductivity evaluation methods have differences regarding the sample's size, testing time, operation and apparatus' accuracy and reproducibility. This must be considered, particularly when developing innovative materials, where the material availability or the measurement range of the method can limit the thermal conductivity measurement.