Aerogel

This page is in progress. Please do not cite or link

Description

Any synthetic, open-celled solid foam that is composed of a network of interconnected nanostructures. Aerogels are derived from gels in which the liquid has been replaced with gas while retaining the structure of the solid framework. The first document example of an aerogel was created the Samuel Kistler in 1931 with a silica gel (patented 1937). Kistler later made aerogels with alumina, chromia and tin dioxide., The unique properties of aerogels are due to its high surface area and open porous structure that provides....

Aerogels were first, and most commonly made from silica (see aerogel, silica), but they ave also been made from:

• Organic polymers: Cellulose, Agar (SEAgel), Polyimide (AeroZero)

Synonyms and Related Terms

Product names: Santocel, Santocel-C, Santocel-Z

Applications

• Fire protection
• Thermal and sound insulation
• Thickening agent

Physical and Chemical Properties

• Particle size averages 2-5 nm
• Pore size is usually 100nm
• Porosity greater than 50% with examples of 99%
• Density - 0.2 - 0.2 g/ml
• Very lightweight

• Structurally strong but can shatter like glass

Working Properties

• Cannot be fashioned into shaped covers inhouse; must be sewn to measurement by the factory
• Constructed 3-layer mat is very heavy, dense and hard to fold

Resources and Citations

• Praestegaard L., G. Sorig Thomsen, K. Woer 'Before the Fire: Experiments on Fire-Protecting Cover Materials', Studies in Conservation, Vol. 68 (1), pp. 1-8, 2023.
• Alwin, S., Sahaya Shajan, X. Aerogels: promising nanostructured materials for energy conversion and storage applications. Mater Renew Sustain Energy 9, 7 (2020).
• Skanacid A/S: www.skanacid.dk
• Supedium: The Incredible Aerogel
• Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aerogel
• Aerogel: What is Aeogel?