Silica Aerogel Is A Form Of Silica Gel

Silica Aerogel is a form of silica gel that has been engineered to be extremely light and flexible. Its unique properties include a low thermal conductivity of 0.01 W/mK, high specific surface area of more than 1000 m2/g, ultra-light bulk density of only 0.1 g/cm3, optical transparency in the visible spectrum with a refractive index close to one and hydrophobicity. These characteristics make it an ideal material for Silica Aerogel in Insulation applications including thermal insulation and acoustical protection.

Aerogels are produced in a variety of forms, including monoliths, grains, powders and films. Monolithic aerogels are composed of a network of silica nanosized pores with interconnecting channels. These pores allow for heat to pass through the material without convection. However, this property also limits the thermal properties of monolithic aerogels. Polymer reinforcement is used to modify the physical and thermal properties of monolithic aerogels. It increases the tensile strength of the material by decreasing its porosity and increasing the pore diameter. However, this modification increases the thermal conductivity of the material.

When considering the potential of Aerogel in the aerospace industry, it is important to consider the cost/benefit ratio. It has been estimated that the use of Aerogel could save the airline industry $422 million annually in fuel costs alone [16].

One of the primary obstacles for using Aerogel in the aviation industry is its relatively high cost. The main reasons for this are the lengthy preparation process and environmental hazards that accompany it. One of the most common methods for preparing Aerogel involves the use of the chemical trichloromethylsilane (TMOS). Unfortunately, this compound is toxic and has caused many explosions in the past. It was soon replaced with a less hazardous chemical, tetraethyl orthosilicate (TEOS). However, the TEOS process is expensive and time-consuming.

In recent years, efforts have been made to develop a cheaper, faster preparation process that would reduce the risk of the environment and shorten the time required for production. Various techniques have been explored for this purpose, including atmospheric pressure drying and reducing the concentration of the synthesis chemicals. These approaches have demonstrated promising results, but the cost of production remains high.

It is possible that the development of a more affordable method of preparing Aerogel will lead to its commercial integration into the aviation industry. This would help to decrease the take-off weight of aircrafts and thus save fuel. This is a huge benefit to the airlines industry, which has been struggling with rising fuel prices. The cost savings may even encourage more people to travel by air and thus increase profits for the airlines. With these benefits in mind, it is a matter of time before the use of Aerogel becomes more widespread. For this reason, it is imperative that research continue into the use of this material in the future. This will ensure that it continues to be a valuable component of the aerospace industry. Thanks to the efforts of scientists and engineers, this innovative material will continue to improve the quality of life in outer space and on earth.