Pilkington ProfilitTM Translucent Linear Glazing System
Frequently Asked Questions
About the P r o f i l i t TM S y s t e m w i t h N a n o g e l ® T r a n s l u c e n t A e r o g e l
What are the different components of the system?
GE Lexan® 16mm polycarbonate panels are used
to house the Nanogel® Translucent Aerogel
insulation material. Clips are attached to the sides
of the Nanogel panel to center the product in the
U-Channel cavity.
Why is the Nanogel insulation system mounted in
the center of the ProfilitTM channel glass cavity?
By centering the Nanogel insulation system in the
channel, system performance is maximized. The air
space between the glass walls and the Nanogel
insulation system enhances thermal and acoustic
insulation performance while condensation within
the channel cavity is significantly reduced.
Are the components of the Nanogel insulation system
UV stable (will there be any discoloration overtime)?
All components of the Nanogel insulation system are
UV stable. Neither the properties (color stability)
nor performance (insulation) of Nanogel Translucent
Aerogel will degrade overtime. The clips and polycar-
bonate panel are treated with UV stabilizers to
prevent discoloration.
What is the appearance of the Nanogel insulation
system inside the channel glass cavity?
The polycarbonate panel creates a vertical appearance
when filled with Nanogel Translucent Aerogel,
providing an "ice cube" appearance inside the
channel glass. To mute the distinctiveness of the
vertical channels, an opaque-colored (opal) panel
is also available.
Is the system considered a “Green Product”?
All the components of the system are safe, non-
hazardous, recyclable and environmentally friendly.
Additionally, the McDonough Braungart Design
Chemistry (MBDC) contends Nanogel Translucent
Aerogel is consistent with its “Cradle to Cradle
Design” philosophy.
Will the Nanogel Translucent Aerogel in the
polycarbonate panels settle overtime?
No. A patented process is used to fill the polycar-
bonate panels with Nanogel Translucent Aerogel to
avoid settling.
How does the Nanogel insulation system compare
to existing insulation materials for channel glass
applications?
Performance: Nanogel Translucent Aerogel is
hydrophobic, thus the product will never retain
moisture unlike existing insulation materials.
Overtime, these materials are susceptible to collecting
moisture, which degrades their performance, and, as
a result, mold and fungal growth is likely.
Light Transmission: Light is diffused through
Nanogel’s translucent, porous structure, allowing an
even dispersion of light. GE Lexan® polycarbonate
panels, which encase the Nanogel, completely resist
the transmission of UV rays.
Durability: The Nanogel insulation system is more
durable than existing insulation materials, like
Okapane. Polycarbonate panels are rigid, they will
not fracture, and, if they are soiled, they easily wipe
clean. Alternatively, Okapane is a very friable and
delicate material. On a work site, Okapane is
susceptible to fracturing if not handled properly,
and would need to be replaced if soiled.
Installation: Installation has been improved and
simplified with the Nanogel insulation system. The
custom-fitted Nanogel panel is centered inside the
Profilit System in one step, significantly reducing
installation costs and time.
 About the P r o f i l i t TM S y s t e m w i t h N a n o g e l ® T r a n s l u c e n t A e r o g e l
Thermal Insulation
Why is Nanogel® Translucent Aerogel a good
thermal insulator?
Nanogel Translucent Aerogel is a highly porous
structure with an average pore size of ~20 nanometers.
This pore size restricts air molecules from colliding
with each other. It is this feature that makes
aerogel a poor conductor of heat, thus a great
thermal insulator.
What is the thermal performance of the ProfilitTM
System with Nanogel?
Preliminary testing shows the following U-Value
results.
Profilit System with Nanogel insulation (Low-E
glass): 0.32
Standard glass with Nanogel insulation: 0.37
What is the Solar Heat Gain Coefficient of the system?
Preliminary testing shows the following Solar Heat
Gain Coefficient (SHGC) results.
- Profilit with clear polycarbonate panels filled
with Nanogel: 0.33
- Profilit with opal polycarbonate panels filled
with Nanogel: 0.17
Is the polycarbonate panel only available in 16mm
thickness?
Yes. However, development work is underway to
modify the polycarbonate panel thickness to achieve
a full range of insulation values.
Acoustic Insulation
Why is Nanogel Translucent Aerogel a good
acoustic insulator?
The porous structure of Nanogel Translucent
Aerogel will reduce the transmission of airborne
sound waves through either reflection or absorption.
Enhanced acoustical insulating performance can be
particularly notable at lower frequencies (< 500Hz)
(e.g. human voice, traffic noise, rain, etc.).
What is the acoustic performance of the system?
Preliminary testing shows the following acoustic
performance results:
- Sound Transmission Coefficient (STC): 44
- Outside/Inside Transmission Coefficient (OITC): 36
Is the polycarbonate panel only available in 16mm
thickness?
Yes. However, development work is underway to
modify the polycarbonate panel thickness to achieve
a full range of acoustic insulation values.
Light Transmission
Why is Nanogel Translucent Aerogel an excellent
light transmitter?
The translucent color and porous structure of
Nanogel Translucent Aerogel work together to
diffuse light evenly through the system.
Does the Profilit System with Nanogel prevent the
transmission of UV light?
Yes. The UV transmission is 0%.
What is the light transmission of the system?
Preliminary testing shows the following light
transmission results.
- Profilit with clear polycarbonate panels filled
with Nanogel: 50%
- Profilit with opal polycarbonate panels filled
with Nanogel: 26%
Permanence of Performance
Is the Profilit System with Nanogel resistant
to moisture?
Nanogel Translucent Aerogel is hydrophobic in
nature. It is this feature that prevents mold or
mildew growth within the system.
Does performance of the system degrade over time?
No. The Profilit channel glass and its components
will not have any color change or loss in thermal
performance and light transmission properties for
the life of the product warranty.
What is the condensation resistance factor of the
Profilit System with Nanogel?
The Condensation Resistance Factor (CRF) is G79; F60.
 Pilkington ProfilitTM Translucent Linear Glazing System
Frequently Asked Questions

About

What is aerogel? Why is Nanogel Translucent Aerogel’s pore size

Aerogel is a unique form of highly porous, non-
hazardous silica, described as a lattice network of
glass strands with very small pores, with an extremely
low solids content (5% solid, 95% air). It is known
as the lightest weight and best insulating solid in
the world.
How do aerogels differ from existing fumed
silica products?
Aerogel is a treated silica product with a surface that
looks chemically similar to common silica products.
The most significant difference is the higher surface
area and larger pore volume of the aerogel compared
to existing silica products.
What is Nanogel® Translucent Aerogel?
Nanogel is Cabot Corporation's trade name for its
family of hydrophobic silica aerogels.
Is Nanogel Translucent Aerogel safe?
Yes. Nanogel is a surface-treated precipitated synthetic
amorphous silica gel that is very similar to other silica
products. It consists of 97% treated precipitated
silica amorphous silica gel and 3% water. Precipitated
silica is a common product used in personal care
products such as lotions and cosmetics. Nanogel
Translucent Aerogel does not contain crystalline
silica, and is neither carcinogenic nor mutagenic.
important?
Nanogel Translucent Aerogel has unique thermal,
acoustic, optical and mechanical properties. All of
these are largely a result of the pore size and pore size
distribution of aerogels. Because aerogels have an
average pore size of 20 nanometers, they have a
unique interaction with heat, sound and light.
What is the primary particle size of Nanogel
Translucent Aerogel?
Nanogel Translucent Aerogel granules, used as the
insulation for channel glass, have a particle size
distribution of 1-3mm.
Is Nanogel Translucent Aerogel a proven insulation
material in the construction market?
Yes. Nanogel has been successfully installed in a
variety of daylight systems in North America and
Europe. Installations have ranged from schools to
swimming pools to office enclosures.

How is Nanogel Translucent Aerogel manufactured?

Cabot Corporation's aerogel manufacturing process
Nanogel® Translucent Aerogel
is analogous to the commercial production of silica
gel. The treated silica gel is dried, preserving its
porous structure and rendering the product
hydrophobic through a patented process.