This article explores ceramic fibre aerogel sheets, a remarkable fusion of silica aerogel and ceramic fibres, designed for unrivaled thermal insulation. It delves into the composition, manufacturing process, and unique properties of these sheets, highlighting their applications in industries such as electronics and automotive. With features like low thermal conductivity and high fire resistance, ceramic fibre aerogel sheets pave the way for enhanced safety and efficiency in demanding environments.
What is Aerogel Sheet?
What is Aerogel?
Aerogel is a unique, lightweight material created by replacing the liquid in a gel with gas. This process produces a solid substance that consists primarily of air, giving aerogels their astonishingly low density. Aerogel sheets, in particular, are versatile and efficient thermal insulators. Their porous structure traps air within millions of tiny pores, which dramatically reduces heat transfer.
What is the Chemical Composition of Aerogel?
Aerogels are typically made from silica, alumina, or polymeric materials. The most common type is silica aerogel, composed mainly of silicon dioxide (SiO2). This composition contributes to its excellent thermal insulation properties, making it a preferred choice in various industrial applications.
The Properties of Aerogel and Its Microstructure
Aerogels are often referred to as “frozen smoke” due to their translucent appearance and low weight. With a density of as low as 1 kg/mÂł, their thermal conductivity can be as low as 0.017 W/m·K at ambient temperatures. This makes them more efficient than traditional insulation materials like fiberglass or foam. Interestingly, aerogels have a remarkable microstructure—comprising up to 95% air—helping them to manage heat transfers exceptionally well.
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What is Ceramic Fibre?
What is the Chemical Composition of Ceramic Fibre?
Ceramic fibre materials are composed of fine strands of ceramic materials, generally made from aluminosilicate. The primary components of ceramic fibre include alumina (Al2O3) and silica (SiO2), with typical formulations containing 20% to 30% alumina. This composition allows the fibres to withstand high temperatures while maintaining structural integrity.
What are the Properties of Ceramic Fibre?
Ceramic fibre boasts several impressive properties, including low thermal conductivity, high tensile strength, and excellent chemical resistance. Its thermal conductivity ranges depending on the temperature, but at 25°C, it can be as low as 0.023 W/m·K. These fibres exhibit remarkable thermal stability and high-temperature resistance. With a maximum usage temperature of up to 650°C, ceramic fibre products offer robust insulation in extreme conditions.
What is Ceramic Fibre Aerogel Sheet?
How to Combine Aerogel with Ceramic Fibre?
Creating ceramic fibre aerogel sheets begins with manufacturing a silica aerogel. This aerogel is then combined with ceramic fibres to form a composite. The innovative bonding technique involves a sol-gel process where the ceramic fibres are impregnated with a silica sol. Upon curing, the final product is both lightweight and highly efficient as an insulator.
The Attributes of Ceramic Fibre Aerogel Sheet
The ceramic fibre aerogel sheet effectively combines the strengths of both materials, and it is able to withsand extreme condition according to an article published on Nature. The chart below compares the properties of traditional ceramic fibre, standard aerogel, and ceramic fibre aerogel sheets:
| Property | Ceramic Fibre | Aerogel | Ceramic Fibre Aerogel Sheet |
|---|---|---|---|
| Maximum Usage Temperature (°C) | 650 | 650 | 650 |
| Density (kg/m³) | 260 ± 20 | 1 ≤ 300 | 250 ± 15 |
| Thermal Conductivity (W/m·K) | ≤0.023 (25°C) | ≤0.017 | ≤0.022 |
| Fire Resistance | A1 | A1 | A1 |
| Water Repellency | <90% | N/A | ≥98% |
This comparison highlights the synergy between ceramic fibres and silica aerogel, resulting in a superior material for thermal insulation.
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What is Ceramic Fibre Aerogel Sheet Used For?
Ceramic fibre aerogel sheets are primarily utilized in high-performance applications, particularly in electronic vehicles (EVs) where thermal management is critical. They provide excellent insulation for power batteries, reducing heat accumulation and enhancing safety. Additionally, these sheets find use in noise reduction, thermal insulation for industrial equipment, and effective electromagnetic interference control.
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Conclusion
In summary, ceramic fibre aerogel sheets represent the pinnacle of thermal insulation technology by combining the outstanding attributes of aerogel with the robustness of ceramic fibre. Fonitaniya™ leads the way in R&D, emphasizing aerogel blankets and offering high-quality ceramic fibre aerogel products tailored to meet industry demands.
FAQs
What is aerogel made of?
Aerogel typically consists mostly of silica, alumina, or polymeric materials.
How strong is ceramic fibre?
Ceramic fibre exhibits high tensile strength, ideal for applications requiring durability.
What industries use ceramic fibre aerogel sheets?
These sheets are widely used in automotive, aerospace, and electronics industries.
How does the thermal conductivity of aerogel compare to fiberglass?
Aerogel generally has lower thermal conductivity than fiberglass, making it more effective as an insulator.
Are ceramic fibre aerogel sheets resistant to fires?
Yes, they have an A1 fire rating, demonstrating excellent fire resistance.
