Improving the Physical Properties of Silica Aerogels Using a 3-step Method
This method produces silica aerogels which have low density, low thermal conductivity, ductility, and mechanical integrity. These aerogels have many uses, but primarily serve as thermal insulators.
Researchers
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silica aerogels and their preparation
United States of America | Granted | 9,828,251
Technology
The proposed method involves 3 steps which provide better control of the cluster growth and formation of the gel network in an aerogel: 1) Hydrolyzing an organosilicate precursor to form silanol groups under acidic conditions. 2) Condensing the silanol groups under basic conditions with the help of a catalyst to form a polymeric silicate having a diverse range of pore sizes. 3) Gelling the polymeric silicate.
Problem Addressed
A better understanding of controlling the chemical process is needed to further reinforce the mechanical properties of silica aerogels, while retaining their other properties, especially their low thermal conductivities.
Advantages
- Two-to-four times improved ductility of silica aerogels using the 3-step method.
- Better control of the sol-gel process allows users to achieve desired physical properties (lower thermal conductivity, lower acoustic velocity, lower dielectric constant).
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