FAQs - Aerogel Technologies, LLC

Aerogels are a diverse class of ultralow density solids that combine multiple disparate and extreme materials properties into a single material envelope. Aerogel materials generally exhibit a high degree of porosity, high specific surface area, and superlative energy damping (thermal, acoustic, and impact) properties. The term aerogel refers to the sparse, porous solid backbone of a gel isolated from the liquid component of the gel and similar porous solid materials with mesoporosity, that is, primarily containing pores ranging from about 2-50 nm. The name aerogel may be misleading at first, as aerogels are dry, rigid or elastic foam-like materials and are not wet or wobbly. The name originates from the fact that aerogels are typically made by replacing the liquid component of a gel—think something physically similar in consistency to edible gelatin—with a gas or a vacuum in a way that preserves the structural integrity of gel’s sparse solid, porous backbone.

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Historically, the most commonly researched and commercially available type of aerogel has been the holographic-looking “blue” silica type. Today, aerogels of numerous different substances can be prepared, including:

• Silica, both hydrophilic (water-absorbing) and hydrophobic (water-repelling)
• Transition metal oxides, lanthanide oxides, actinide oxides, main group oxides, and mixed matrix oxides
• Synthetic polymers such as phenolics, polyureas, polyurethanes, polyimides, and polyamides
• Biopolymers such as cellulose, alginate, and lignin
• Carbon allotropes such as amorphous carbon, graphitic carbon, carbon nanotubes, graphene, and diamond
• Metal chalcogenides and quantum dots
• Metals, carbides, and nitrides

Each of these different types of aerogels provides unique properties, which can include electrical conductivity (carbon and metal aerogels), extreme (up to 80%) elastic return (nanotube and graphene aerogels), catalytic functions (various oxide and metal aerogels), photoluminescence (quantum dot and metal chalcogenide aerogels), water repulsion and oil sorption (hydrophobic silica and polymer aerogels), and more.

The insulating ability (or thermal conductivity) of an aerogel material depends on its composition, form factor, and density, as well as the temperature of its environment. Silica aerogel-based materials are typically used for insulating applications, although Airloy® and other polymer aerogels such as BASF’s Slentite® are beginning to be used as well. For a typical silica aerogel monolith with a density of ~100 mg/cc, the thermal conductivity is usually between 10-20 mW/m-K, or about 2-3 times more insulating per unit thickness than polyurethane foam (PUF) or Styrofoam® (expanded polystyrene), which have thermal conductivities of 29-35 mW/m-K typically. Composite aerogel blankets such as Aspen Aerogels’ Spaceloft® typically have a thermal conductivity of ~14-21 mW/m-K. Cabot Aerogel’s Lumira® aerogel particles used for daylighting applications similarly have a thermal conductivity of ~9-12 mW/m-K. Cabot Aerogel’s Thermal Wrap™ blankets, used in construction, daylighting, and low-dust insulating applications, has a thermal conductivity of ~23 mW/m-K. In general, the thermal conductivity of an aerogel decreases (that is, its insulating ability increases) as its density decreases. While aerogels are available in a wide range of densities, from as low as 0.001 g/cc up to ~0.55 g/cc, in general only materials with densities in the range of 0.06-0.55 are practical for industrial applications. Thermal conductivity of non-silica aerogels depends on composition and density, with some materials being equal to or better than silica aerogels at the same density, and others exhibiting higher thermal conductivity at the same density.

Aerogels are extremely good thermal insulators for several reasons. First, it is important to understand how heat is transported through materials. Heat is transported through a material three different ways: through conductive transport, that is, through the solid part of the material; through convective transport, that is, by being carried by gas diffusing through a material; and through radiative transport, that is, by electromagnetic energy like infrared energy penetrating through the material.

Aerogels are extremely low-density materials, typically 50-99.98% air by volume. This means aerogels have very little mass through which heat can conduct. Additionally, the solid part of an aerogel is highly disordered and thus makes conduction of heat through the little solid that is there inefficient.

Additionally, aerogels have extremely tiny pores, typically between 2-50 nm in diameter. These pores are actually so tiny that they are smaller than the mean free path of air at room temperature and pressure, that is, the average distance a molecule of air can travel before hitting another air molecule is greater than the width of the pores in a typical aerogel. As a result, air has an extremely difficult time diffusing through and thus carrying heat energy through an aerogel by convection. This phenomenon, called the Knudsen effect, differentiates aerogels from traditional foams, which typically have pore sizes of tens to thousands of microns in diameter and thus allow more heat through by convection.

Aerogels are not necessarily good at stifling radiative transport, however, and so at high temperatures, heat can pass through aerogels in the form of infrared energy. As a result, commercial aerogel insulation products include additional materials called IR opacifiers embedded in the aerogel to reflect and/or absorb infrared energy. This helps limit radiative transport, making aerogel insulators excellent insulators at high temperatures as well as room temperature.

First, not all aerogels are easy to break!  Classic (or “legacy”) aerogels exhibit extremely high strength-to-weight ratios and are able (in principle) to hold thousands of times their weight in applied force, however also typically exhibit extremely low fracture toughness, that is, the ability to resist propagation of flaws in the material. As a result, it is possible for a classic aerogel block that is 96% air by volume to hold a brick thousands of times its own weight, but only if the weight is placed on the monolith gently and there are no major cracks in the aerogel.

New mechanically strong and machinable aerogels such as Airloy® strong aerogels made by Aerogel Technologies fix this problem. Airloy aerogels are hundreds of times stronger and stiffer than classic aerogels and simultaneously durable and fracture tough. Unlike legacy aerogels, Airloy aerogels can be machined (drilled, tapped, turned, milled) and bent without breaking. The strength, stiffness, thermal conductivity, and other properties of Airloy aerogels depend on the product series. See our page about Airloy materials properties for specific information about the mechanical properties of different Airloy products.

Aerogel materials vary in price depending on form factor and composition. Once very costly due to specialty manufacturing processes and lack of commercial availability, today aerogel materials of various types are produced commercially on massive scales at prices that are in many instances competitive with traditional materials technologies. Aerogel particles such as Cabot Aerogel’s Lumira® aerogel, used in the daylighting panels in office buildings, gyms, and sports arenas around the world, while composite aerogel blankets such as Aspen Aerogels Spaceloft® and Cabot Aerogel’s Thermal Wrap™ insulate subsea oil pipelines, refineries, and residential apartments. Strong aerogel panels such as Airloy® strong aerogels from Aerogel Technologies are making planes, cars, and rockets lighter, more energy efficient, and cheaper to operate. Sub-bulk pricing for these and other aerogel products is available at BuyAerogel.com. Please contact us for bulk pricing requests.

When it comes to selecting the right thermal insulation material for your projects, aerogel blankets have become increasingly popular due to their exceptional properties. Known for their lightness, high thermal resistance, and versatility, aerogel blankets are used in a wide range of applications, from industrial machinery to construction and even aerospace. In this article, we will guide you through the key factors to consider when choosing the right aerogel blanket as a thermal insulation material for your needs.

Understanding Aerogel Blankets

Aerogel is a highly porous material derived from silica, offering one of the lowest thermal conductivities of any solid material. Aerogel blankets are made by combining aerogel particles with a fibrous matrix, creating a flexible and lightweight material with excellent thermal insulating properties. These blankets provide a unique combination of high thermal resistance, low density, and superior performance under extreme conditions.

Aerogel blankets are ideal for applications where traditional insulation materials might fail to meet the requirements due to space constraints, temperature extremes, or the need for a lightweight solution.

Key Factors to Consider When Choosing Aerogel Blankets

Before purchasing aerogel blankets, there are several factors you need to assess to ensure that the product will meet your thermal insulation needs. Here are the key considerations:

Temperature Range

Aerogel blankets can handle a wide range of temperatures, from cryogenic conditions to extremely high temperatures exceeding °C. When selecting the right aerogel blanket, it is crucial to understand the operating temperature range of your application.

Low-Temperature Applications: If your project involves temperatures below -100°C, make sure the aerogel blanket is rated for cryogenic insulation.

High-Temperature Applications: For environments with temperatures exceeding 300°C or even up to °C, ensure the aerogel blanket is designed to withstand high heat without degrading or losing its insulating properties.

Thickness and Density

The thickness and density of aerogel blankets can significantly affect their thermal performance. A thicker blanket typically provides better insulation, but it may also increase the overall weight and cost. For applications with strict space requirements, a thinner aerogel blanket may be more appropriate.

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Thicker Blankets: Offer superior insulation and are ideal for high-temperature applications, but they may be heavier and less flexible.

Thinner Blankets: Better suited for space-limited applications while still offering effective insulation, especially in moderate-temperature conditions.

Flexibility and Durability

Aerogel blankets vary in flexibility depending on their construction and intended use. For applications that require complex shapes or where ease of installation is a priority, it is important to choose a blanket that is both flexible and durable.

High Flexibility: Suitable for wrapping around pipes, irregular surfaces, or components with varying shapes.

High Durability: Ensures long-lasting performance in harsh environments, such as industrial machinery or heavy-duty equipment.

Thermal Conductivity

Thermal conductivity is the most crucial factor to consider when selecting a thermal insulation material. Aerogel blankets typically have a low thermal conductivity, making them ideal for applications where heat retention or prevention is required.

Low Thermal Conductivity: Aerogel's ability to resist heat transfer is unmatched by most other materials, which makes it highly effective at reducing energy loss and improving efficiency.

Environmental Impact and Sustainability

As industries continue to push for more sustainable solutions, the environmental impact of insulation materials has become a crucial consideration. Aerogel blankets are made from silica, a naturally abundant and non-toxic material, which makes them a safer, eco-friendly alternative compared to traditional insulation materials like fiberglass or foam.

When choosing an aerogel blanket, consider whether it is produced using sustainable methods and whether it can be recycled or disposed of responsibly at the end of its life cycle.

Applications of Aerogel Blankets

Aerogel blankets are incredibly versatile and can be used in a variety of applications across different industries:

Industrial Insulation: Used for insulating pipes, tanks, and valves in high-temperature environments.

Building Insulation: For reducing heat loss in walls, roofs, and floors without adding significant bulk.

Aerospace and Automotive: Employed in the construction of lightweight, high-performance thermal insulation systems.

Oil and Gas: Aerogel blankets are commonly used for offshore drilling rigs and in refineries due to their resistance to harsh conditions.

Cryogenic Applications: Used in applications involving liquid natural gas (LNG) and other cryogenic substances, as aerogels are highly effective in extreme low-temperature insulation.

How to Install Aerogel Blankets

Proper installation is key to ensuring the effectiveness of aerogel blankets. While aerogel blankets are easy to handle, they should still be installed correctly to avoid any gaps or improper sealing that could reduce their insulating performance.

Follow Manufacturer Guidelines: Always adhere to the manufacturer's installation instructions to ensure proper performance.

Use Protective Gear: Aerogel can be abrasive or irritating to the skin. Wear appropriate protective clothing and gloves when handling aerogel products.

Making the Right Choice

Choosing the right aerogel blanket involves understanding your insulation requirements, including temperature conditions, thickness, flexibility, and durability. By considering these factors, you can make an informed decision and select an aerogel blanket that provides the best performance for your specific application. Whether you are insulating industrial equipment, building materials, or aerospace components, aerogel blankets offer unmatched thermal insulation properties that can enhance performance and efficiency.

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