Method for producing metal oxide aerogels having densities less than 0. 02 g/cc
A two-step method is described for making transparent aerogels which have a density of less than 0.003 g/cm[sup 3] to those with a density of more than 0.8 g/cm[sup 3], by a sol/gel process and supercritical extraction. Condensed metal oxide intermediate made with purified reagents can be diluted to produce stable aerogels with a density of less than 0.02 g/cm[sup 3]. High temperature, direct supercritical extraction of the liquid phase of the gel produces hydrophobic aerogels which are stable at atmospheric moisture conditions. Monolithic, homogeneous silica aerogels with a density of less than 0.02 to higher than 0.8 g/cm[sup 3], with high thermal insulation capacity, improved mechanical strength and good optical transparency, are described. 7 figures.
- DOE Contract Number:
- W-7405-ENG-48
- Assignee:
- Univ. of California, Oakland, CA ()
- Patent Number(s):
- US 5275796; A
- Application Number:
- PPN: US 7-754349
- OSTI ID:
- 5158336
- Resource Relation:
- Patent File Date: 5 Sep 1991
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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