What is Aerogel?
The Name Behind the Innovation
The term “aerogel” is derived from its unique structure and remarkable properties. “Aero” signifies air or gas, while “gel” refers to its gel-like form. Essentially, it means “air gel.” Any gel can be classified as an aerogel if it is dried to eliminate the solvent while maintaining its shape, exhibiting high porosity and low density.
The concept of creating aerogel was first introduced by American chemist Samuel Stephens Kistler in 1931. He envisioned an extremely lightweight and porous solid material, achieved by replacing the liquid in the gel with gas, thus preserving its three-dimensional structure. With over 90% of its composition being air and a network resembling that of a gel, it was aptly named “aerogel.”
Discovering the Properties of Aerogel
Aerogel is one of the lightest known solid materials, typically composed of silica, carbon, or alumina. Its interior is filled with countless nanoscale micropores, resulting in an incredibly high specific surface area and extremely low density. Often referred to as “frozen smoke” or “blue smoke,” it appears almost transparent and feels incredibly light.
Key Features of Aerogel
- Ultra-lightweight: With a density ranging from 1 to 150 mg/cm³—approximately 2-4 times lighter than air—it’s one of the lightest solids on the planet.
- High Porosity: Aerogels boast porosity levels exceeding 90%, with some reaching an impressive 99.8%. This attribute gives them a specific surface area often surpassing 1,000 m² per gram.
- Exceptional Thermal Insulation: With a thermal conductivity as low as 0.013 W/m·K, aerogel outperforms most traditional insulation materials, making it ideal for applications in construction, aerospace, and military sectors.
- Sound Absorption: The unique porous structure allows aerogels to effectively absorb sound waves, providing excellent sound insulation.
- Optical Transparency: Particularly in silicon aerogels, the material exhibits good optical transparency, showcasing a weak blue scattering effect, hence the nickname “blue smoke.”
Applications of Aerogel
Aerogel’s versatility leads to a wide range of applications across various industries:
- Building and Insulation: Its low thermal conductivity makes aerogel a superior choice for thermal insulation in residential and commercial buildings.
- Aerospace: Lightweight and thermally efficient, aerogels are used in space suits, satellites, and spacecraft. NASA, for example, utilized aerogel in Mars rovers to protect sensitive electronics from extreme temperatures.
- Petrochemical Industry: Aerogels serve as insulation in high-temperature environments, ensuring efficiency in petrochemical equipment and pipelines.
- Energy Storage: The nanoporous structure of aerogel shows significant potential for use in energy storage devices, including supercapacitors and lithium batteries.
Contact Us for Customized Solutions
If you’re an industry professional seeking innovative insulation solutions, our aerogel products are designed to meet your specific needs. Here’s why our aerogel stands out:
- Outstanding Thermal Insulation: Reduce heat loss significantly, perfect for building and pipeline insulation.
- Ultra-lightweight with High Strength: Optimal for industries where weight and structural integrity are crucial, such as aerospace.
- Versatile Applications: Beyond thermal insulation, our aerogels excel in sound absorption and pollution adsorption, making them invaluable across numerous sectors.
- Custom Solutions: Our products can be tailored to fit various use scenarios, ensuring you get exactly what you need.
For inquiries or to discover how our aerogel can benefit your projects, please email us or visit our website.
