Aerogel Blankets Take The Heat

    Feb. 9, 2006
    A variety of organic and inorganic/organic hybrid aerogels including those made from polydimethylsiloxane/silica, cellulose polyurethane, polyimide, polymethylmethacrylate/silica, and polybutadiene rubber reportedly have better physical and mechanical properties than silica aerogels.

    They come in thin, flexible blankets that can reportedly provide up to 20 times the thermal and acoustical insulating capacity of existing insulations per unit of material. They are said to be more robust than previous aerogel monoliths and beads. They easily install similar to other flexible insulating batting materials. Spaceloft aerogels are for continuous service temperatures up to 390°F (200°C); Pyrogel AR5401 works at temperatures to 650°F (350°C); and Pyrogel AR5223 aerogels are for applications to 1,200°F (650°C).

    Aspen Aerogels Inc., 30 Forbes Rd., Northborough, MA 01532, (508) 691-1111, aerogel.com

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