What is Aerogel?
Describe Aerogel Briefly
Imagine holding a material almost entirely made of air—yet offering incredible insulation and strength. This isn’t science fiction; it’s aerogel. Often called “frozen smoke” for its translucent look, aerogel is created by removing the liquid from a gel, leaving behind a porous, ultra-light structure.
Chemical Composition of Aerogel
Aerogel is primarily made from silica (SiOâ‚‚), which is the same material found in quartz. During the manufacturing process, a silica gel is formed and then supercritically dried to remove all liquid, leaving a solid network of silica that retains its structure. In addition to silica, aerogels can also be made from other materials such as alumina, carbon, and even polymers, each giving aerogel slightly different properties depending on the application. Silica aerogel, however, remains the most common type due to its exceptional thermal insulation capabilities and chemical stability.
The Structure of Aerogel and Its Features
Aerogel’s structure is what makes it so exceptional. Composed of a network of nanoscale pores, it is up to 99.8% air, which gives it its low density and high insulation properties. This network traps air, reducing heat transfer, making aerogel one of the best insulating materials available. Its microstructure also gives it impressive strength-to-weight ratios, despite its delicate appearance.
According to a study published in Journal of Hazardous Materials (S Wi et al., 2021), aerogel’s thermal conductivity can be as low as 0.015 W/m·K, which is significantly lower than traditional insulation materials like fiberglass. This low conductivity, combined with its fire resistance and hydrophobic nature, makes aerogel ideal for use in extreme environments.
Below is a chart of silica aerogel and other common heat insulant material. It is noted that aerogel can be combined with other materials and formed compound aerogel with extremely outstanding performance.
| Material | Maximum Temperature | Fire Rating | Thermal Conductivity (W/m·K) | Waterproof | Density (kg/m³) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SiO2 Aerogel | 650°C | A | 0.020 | Yes | 200 |
| Ceramic Fiber | 1260°C | A | 0.062 | No | 500 |
| Carbon Fiber | 400°C | A | 0.050 | No | 100 |
| Glass Wool | 400°C | A | * | No | 150 |
| Rubber-Plastic | 100°C | B2 | 0.036 | Yes | 40 |
Common Forms of Aerogel
Aerogel Insulation Blanket
Aerogel blankets are flexible, easy to handle, and range in thickness from 1mm to 15mm. They offer excellent thermal insulation properties with a maximum temperature resistance of up to 600°C. At 25°C, the thermal conductivity is ≤0.020 W/m·K, increasing to ≤0.027 W/m·K at 200°C, ≤0.035 W/m·K at 300°C, and ≤0.080 W/m·K at 500°C. Aerogel blankets are also recognized for their environmental compliance, adhering to RoHS and REACH regulations, making them safe for broad industrial applications.
Aerogel Film
Aerogel films are ultra-thin, with a thickness ranging from 10 to 1000μm. They are ideal for applications in electric vehicles, power batteries, thermal insulation, combustion prevention, noise reduction, and electromagnetic interference control. Their lightweight nature makes them particularly useful for industries where space and weight are critical factors, such as electronics and aerospace.
Aerogel film can be combined with other plastic materials such as PET/PI to form a strong material suitable for thermal insulation and flame retarding in electronic devices. An example is here: PET aerogel insulation film.
In electronics devices, aerogel film always function as a heat insulator with heat transfer materials like copper to manage temperature inside the devices. Fonitaniya has aerogel film for electronics with exceptional thickness and heat insulant properties.
The Application Outlook of Aerogel Blankets
In construction, aerogel blankets are used for wall and roof insulation, helping reduce energy consumption in buildings. In the oil and gas industry, aerogel blankets are used to insulate pipelines, protecting them from extreme temperatures and minimizing energy loss.
Aerogel blankets have also found applications in the aerospace sector, where their lightweight and efficient insulation properties are invaluable for spacecraft and high-altitude aircraft. Even the automotive industry is exploring aerogel as a means to enhance thermal management in electric vehicles, improving battery performance and safety.
Aerogel blanket are versatile in many industries. To learn more, please read: what are aerogel blankets used for.
Conclusion
Aerogel blankets are revolutionizing insulation across multiple industries, offering unmatched performance in thermal management. At Fonitaniyaâ„¢, we are proud to focus on R&D for aerogel blankets and films, with users like Chevron, Exxon Mobil, PetroChina, and CRRC praising our products for their reliability and effectiveness. To learn more about aerogel blankets and aerogel films designed for various industries, please visit: Aerogel Blanket/Aerogel Sheet.
FAQs
What is an aerogel blanket made of?
Aerogel blankets are made from a silica-based aerogel integrated into a flexible, fibrous batting, providing both insulation and flexibility.
How effective is an aerogel blanket for insulation?
Aerogel blankets are one of the most effective insulation materials available, with thermal conductivity as low as 0.015 W/m·K, significantly better than most traditional insulations.
Can aerogel blankets be used in residential buildings?
Yes, aerogel blankets can be used in residential construction to insulate walls, roofs, and floors, offering superior thermal performance compared to conventional materials.
How do aerogel blankets compare to other insulation materials?
Aerogel blankets offer better thermal insulation, are thinner, and are more flexible compared to traditional materials like fiberglass or foam.
