Whirlpool Corporation

Shayta Roy

Ashish Nigam

Lakshya J Deka

Nicole M Ernat

A low-density insulating material for use in a vacuum insulated structure for an appliance includes a plurality of microspheres that includes a plurality of leached microspheres. Each leached microsphere has an outer wall and an interior volume. The outer wall has a hole that extends through the outer wall and to the interior volume. A binder engages outer surfaces of the plurality of leached microspheres, wherein the binder cooperates with the plurality of leached microspheres to form at least one microsphere aggregate. The interior volume of each leached microsphere defines an insulating space that includes an insulating gas. The insulating space of each leached microsphere is at least partially defined by the binder.

Microsphere-based insulating materials for use in vacuum insulated structures

An appliance cabinet includes a structural envelope having an exterior surface and an interior surface that defines an insulating cavity, wherein the insulating cavity defines an at least partial vacuum. A plurality of silica-based agglomerates are disposed within the insulating cavity, wherein each agglomerate of the plurality of silica-based agglomerates includes silica-based powder insulation material that is water-densified and is at least substantially free of a material binder. A secondary insulation material is disposed within interstitial spaces defined between the plurality of silica-based agglomerates, wherein the plurality of silica-based agglomerates defines an interior structure that resists inward compressive forces exerted as a result of the at least partial vacuum defined within the insulating cavity.

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St. Joseph, MI, United States of America

Shayta Roy