What are applications of aerogel?

Clearly, aerogels are among the most versatile materials available for technical applications, where they are used or considered for use, in laser experiments, sensors (ultrasonic and gas), nuclear particle detection (Cherenkov), thermal insulation (cryogenic to high temperatures), waste management (gas absorption.

How much does aerogel cost?

At about $23,000 per pound, aerogel is currently more expensive than gold [source: NASA JPL, FAQs]! Such a valuable product would seem to belong next to the diamonds and pearls in an heiress’s jewelry box. But aerogel is more likely to be found insulating a rocket or thickening paint than adorning wealthy socialites.

How much would it cost to insulate a house with aerogel?

We estimate that in the U.S. the cost of a 10 mm thick aerogel blanket of R-4 per 10 mm will be between $2.50- $3.00/ft2 in the near future.

Can you make aerogel at home?

Nope! It is possible to make aerogels, including silica aerogels, without supercritical drying–in fact, using evaporative drying techniques. Not only that, you can make silica aerogel monoliths with high transparency, low density, and superinsulating abilities without supercritical drying.

How is aerogel used in everyday life?

Clothing companies use it to create super light-weight and warm ski jackets. Then there are polymer-based aerogels, which are essentially made from plastics and make excellent insulators for refrigerators and clothing. They’re more robust than the flaky silica-based aerogels, yet just as light.

Can Aerogel stop a bullet?

Strong Enough To Stop a Bullet in its Track To collect these delicate particles, each smaller than a grain of sand, aerogel will gradually slow them to a stop without damaging them or altering their shape and chemical composition.

Can aerogel be sprayed?

These aerogel beads, with a packing density of 0.03 to 0.05 g/cm3, can be used as pour-in, formable, or sprayable insulation, showing versatility in a variety of applications.

Why does aerogel cost so much?

Even after the price drop, aerogels remain more expensive than common insulating materials. But since aerogels are more plastic than fiberglass or foam, permeable to water vapor, and flameproof, the extra cost may well be worth the investment when insulating masonry, shingles, or curved surfaces.

Are aerogels strong?

These polymer-based aerogels are extremely strong and flexible. They can also be made into a bendable thin film. NASA developed ways of creating aerogels that are polymer-reinforced.