Aerogel - The Magic of Solarcore
The Science
Exploring the Past and Present of Aerogel: A Tale of Innovation and Discovery
Aerogel, often referred to as “frozen smoke” or “blue smoke,” is a remarkable material known for its unique properties and diverse applications.
Origins and Discovery
The story of aerogel begins in the early 1930s when American chemist Samuel Kistler developed the material as part of his research at the College of the Pacific in California. Kistler’s groundbreaking work involved creating a gel made of silica that was then subjected to supercritical drying, resulting in a substance with an incredibly low density and high porosity. This marked the birth of aerogel as we know it today.
NASA and Space Exploration
One of the most high-profile applications of aerogel has been its use by NASA in numerous space missions. Aerogel’s exceptional thermal insulating properties, combined with its lightweight nature, made it an ideal choice for protecting delicate instruments from extreme temperatures in outer space.
Industrial and Commercial Applications
In addition to its use in space exploration, aerogel has found its way into a range of industrial and commercial applications. From insulation in buildings to lightweight components in electronics, aerogel’s versatility and unique properties have made it a sought-after material in various sectors. Its ability to efficiently trap heat, resist high temperatures, and offer superior acoustic insulation have made aerogel a favorite among engineers and designers.
The Future of Aerogel
As we look ahead, the future of aerogel seems poised for further innovation and discovery. With ongoing research efforts focusing on optimizing production processes, expanding material capabilities, and exploring new applications, aerogel is likely to play an increasingly prominent role in the materials science landscape. From improving energy efficiency in buildings to enabling breakthroughs in clean technology, aerogel holds the promise of a greener and more sustainable future.
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The Remarkable Properties of Aerogel
Aerogel is a remarkable material with extraordinary properties. It is composed of up to 99.8% air and exhibits exceptional thermal insulation, being one of the most effective insulators available. Additionally, it is incredibly lightweight, with a density close to air, and has superb mechanical strength despite its ethereal appearance.
Our Process
At Solarcore, we are focused solely on bringing the most advanced aerogel insulative products to the market. Our patented Sc_Foam is an aerogel composite, utilizing aerogel ‘slurry’ infused into an NBR foam to generate industry-leading thermal performance.
Interested in learning more about aerogel?
Click below for answers to the most commonly asked aerogel questions.