Materials that conduct heat the least are known as thermal insulators. They have low thermal conductivity, meaning they are not efficient at transferring heat. Some common examples of materials with low thermal conductivity include:
Aerogel: Aerogel is a lightweight and highly porous material that has extremely low thermal conductivity. It is often used as an insulating material in various applications.
Fiberglass: Fiberglass is made up of fine glass fibers and is a popular insulating material due to its low thermal conductivity.
Mineral Wool: Mineral wool, also known as rock wool or stone wool, is made from volcanic rock or mineral fibers. It is widely used for thermal insulation due to its low thermal conductivity.
Cellulose: Cellulose insulation is made from recycled paper or plant fibers. It has low thermal conductivity and is commonly used as an eco-friendly insulation material.
Polystyrene Foam: Polystyrene foam, often used in the form of expanded polystyrene (EPS) or extruded polystyrene (XPS), is a lightweight and effective thermal insulator.
Polyurethane Foam: Polyurethane foam, particularly in its closed-cell form, has low thermal conductivity and is commonly used in insulation applications.
It's important to note that while these materials have low thermal conductivity, they can still transfer some amount of heat. The effectiveness of insulation also depends on factors such as thickness, density, and the specific application in which they are used.