This thread is intended to be a learning thread, a look into the future but also of present materials and technology.

One material that came to my attention over a decade ago was Aerogel, one could order samples to experiment with as the industry was looking into market applications.  Sort of like "hey we have this weird stuff but don't know what to do with it". 

Proclaimed to be the world's most insulating material (and it's translucent) I recently found it's an option on Kalwall panels.

Translucent Panel
Kalwall

Cryogel-Z (liquid nitrogen test tank insulation test)
Aerogel Patent

Thermablok
Insulation Strips on studs prior to hanging drywall.

Cryogel-Z
Vapor Barrier Fabric, 56 inches wide

Article with video
Quest-Lab (Demonstration Video)

I suspect that a self-adhesive threshold, jamb, head wrap may exist, but I just have not stumbled across it yet.  It might not be permeable in any event, and that's not going to work in some situations but will in others.

I'm just imagining that adding a little thermal break along with the vapor retarding qualities of Aerogel in these critical areas might be a good thing.  However I don't really know if Aerogel absorbs moisture, I don't think it does at this time - but more research is needed to verify.

Okay, what other weird stuff is out there?

Edit:
Thermabok claims 35% of energy loss is because of thermal bridging, but I don't know the value of their product based on cost and energy reduction.

35% claim

Click "Case Studies" in the link above to answer some of the questions I asked above.

Thermablock is marketing the product developed by Aspen Aerogel, targeted primarily at commercial construction where the severe thermal bridging of steel studs on curtain walls is in play. IIRC those edge strips run about R4, which would improve the whole-wall R of a steel-stud 2x4 R13 wall enough to support their claim.

Request for Information:

Does anyone here have any experience with TruGrain made with Resysta?  See the hot links in the words used.

It's made of of rice husks, allegedly doesn't crack, splinter or rot like wood, but looks like an exotic hardwood.  Can be cut, sanded and can stained just like wood, but doesn't fade or gray out. Oh, and insects don't like to eat it.

When I could not remember the name and did a search on "rice husk boards" I found some particle board overseas being made with it.

I'm looking for an alternate to wood trim, something that can come in contact with stone/brick/masonry and is low maintenance. 

Some sort of trim other than wood composites (MiraTech), fiber cement trim (Hardi), cellular PVC trim (Azek), or covering wood with brake metal.