Aerogel is a low-density solid-state material derived from gel in which the liquid component of the gel has been replaced with gas. The result is an extremely low density solid with several remarkable properties, most notably its effectiveness as an insulator. It is nicknamed frozen smoke, solid smoke or blue smoke due to its semi-transparent nature and the way light scatters in the material; however it feels like styrofoam to the touch. At the nanoscale, an aerogel structurally resembles a sponge and is composed of a network of interconnected nanoparticles. It is very strong structurally, able to hold over 2000 times its own weight.
Aerogels are remarkable thermal insulators because they almost nullify three methods of heat transfer (convection, conduction, and radiation). They are good convective inhibitors because air cannot circulate throughout the lattice. Silica aerogel is an especially good conductive insulator because silica is a poor conductor of heat. (Metallic aerogel, on the other hand, would be a better heat conductor.) Carbon aerogel is a good radiative insulator because carbon absorbs the infrared radiation that transfers heat. The most insulative aerogel is silica aerogel with carbon added to it.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aerogel
Aspen Aerogels’ building and construction solutions provide the highest R values available today with extremely slim profiles. Whether it is for new construction or renovation, homes or commercial buildings, Aspen Aerogels’ insulation can provide a more thermally efficient solution. Aerogels’ provide noise insulation properties (tanks, space craft, boats). For the first time, aerogels can be handled and installed like any other thermal or acoustic insulation. Aspen made the material effective for window and skylight insulation, non-flammable building insulation, and inexpensive firewall insulation that will withstand fires in homes and buildings, and also assist in the prevention of forest fires.
http://www.aerogel.com/markets/building.html
kalwall: many photos
http://www.kalwall.com/main.htm
supersky systems:
http://www.supersky.com/
purchasable product information
http://www.supersky.com/nanocatalog/nanogelcatalog.pdf
cabot: good information
http://w1.cabot-corp.com/controller.jsp?N=23+4294967102+3153+3183&entry=product
posted by jnmullendore @ Thursday, October 26, 2006
1 Comments:
Very interesting product! It was mentioned to me recently by Benn Kyzoensky of Emory University at a Capital Conference. Take a look at my blog at http://www.nationalnano.org/Blog/tabid/135/Default.aspx
You may be a good fit for our Army Consortium. Let me know what you think. /b
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