Chinese scientists have developed a new nanocomposite material that can make buildings fireproof and less energy-consuming.

Researchers from the Hefei Institutes of Physical Science under the Chinese Academy of Sciences, said the new nanocomposite vacuum insulation material has a low thermal conductivity of 4mW/m.k, which is between one-sixth and one-tenth of those of conventional insulators.

Its inefficiency at conducting heat means buildings made with the material can reduce heat loss in the winter and heat gain in the summer, thus saving energy consumption on heating and air conditioning, Chen Lin, leading researcher of the program, told Xinhua on Tuesday.

Another attribute of the nanocomposite, which is made from inorganic materials, is that it is uninflammable, and can thus improve the fire resistance of a building, Chen said.

According to the lead researcher, it took many years for the team to solve key technical problems in the material's development. It was eventually put into mass production earlier this month.

Researchers hope the material can be applied in areas including building insulation, refrigerators and petrochemical pipelines. Endi