Aerogel is a synthetic porous ultralight material derived from a gel, in which the liquid component of the gel has been replaced with a gas. Aerogel is the lightest solid, for 98% is filled with gas
Production of aerogel
Production of aerogels is done by the sol-gel process. Firstly, creating a colloidal suspension of solid particles as a ‘sol’. Silica aerogel is the most common type of aerogel. Silica aerogel is made by the creation of colloidal silica. The process starts with a liquid alcohol such as ethanol which is mixed with a silicon alkoxide precursor, for example tetramethyl orthosilicate (TMOS) or tetraethyl orthosilicate (TEOS). A hydrolysis reaction forms particles of silicon dioxide forming a sol solution. The oxide suspension begins to undergo condensation reactions which result in the creation of metal oxide bridges linking the dispersed colloidal particles. When this interlinking has stopped the flow of liquid within the material, this is known as a gel.
Structure of Aerogel
• Made from Silicon oxide(SiO₂)
• Silicon chain thickness is 1/10000 of human hair
• Space of silicon chain filled with air which makes up 98% of volume
• The lightest solid in the world
Form of Aerogel
Aerogel can bear 1000 times of its own weight and be widely used in various areas.
Generally aerogel is made as powder or particle, so it can be manufactured to be different form through molding.
Aerogel production process
Aerogel production's Feature
• Very low thermal conductivity
• Excellent sound insulation
• High shock-absorbing
• High completion(more than 95%, even99.9%
• Super lightweight
• Large specific surface area (up to 2000m2/g)
• Structural stability
• Heat-resist
- Eco-friendly
[ Insulation comparison ]
[ Insulation thickness comparison ]
[Insulation tube comparison with other material]
Application
1.A chemical absorber for cleaning up spills
2. A catalyst or a catalyst carrier
3.Thickening agents in some paints and cosmetics
4. Aviation: NASA used it for thermal insulation of the Mars Rover and space suits
5. Fire-proof production
6. Liquefied natural gas container
7. Chemical and environment area
Advantages
1. Safety
• Design and manufacture according to ASME CODE.
• Design and manufacture conforming with regulation of Korea Safety & Health Agency/ Energy Management Corporation/ Gas safety Agency
2. Reliable equipment
• Improving safety with multiple safety devices
• Regulator attached to adjust pressure
3. Customized engineering
• Various specification and types for different use
• Multiple application for different research
4. Convenience of maintenance
• Multiple measuring device to check the process
• Assembly, disassembly and clean easily
• Fast after service
Production of aerogel
