Characteristics of thermal insulator: 1) Its thermal conductivity should be low 2) It should be fire proof 3) It should be cheap 4) It should be colourless 5) Its density should be low 6) It should be water proof 7) It should be chemically inert to water, surrounding atmosphere and temperature 8) It should be odourless 9) It should be light in weight 10)It should be capable of bearing load in working operation.