Compression molding of aerogel microspheres

Patent · 24 March 1998

OSTI ID:597133

Pekala, R W; Hrubesh, L W

An aerogel composite material produced by compression molding of aerogel microspheres (powders) mixed together with a small percentage of polymer binder to form monolithic shapes in a cost-effective manner is disclosed. The aerogel composites are formed by mixing aerogel microspheres with a polymer binder, placing the mixture in a mold and heating under pressure, which results in a composite with a density of 50--800 kg/m{sup 3} (0.05--0.80 g/cc). The thermal conductivity of the thus formed aerogel composite is below that of air, but higher than the thermal conductivity of monolithic aerogels. The resulting aerogel composites are attractive for applications such as thermal insulation since fabrication thereof does not require large and expensive processing equipment. In addition to thermal insulation, the aerogel composites may be utilized for filtration, ICF target, double layer capacitors, and capacitive deionization. 4 figs.

• Research Organization: University of California
• Sponsoring Organization: USDOE, Washington, DC (United States)
• DOE Contract Number: W-7405-ENG-48
• Assignee: Univ. of California, Oakland, CA (United States)
• Patent Number(s): US 5,731,360/A/
• Application Number: PAN: 8-610,921
• OSTI ID: 597133
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE
BINDERS
COMPOSITE MATERIALS
FOAMS
INERTIAL CONFINEMENT
MOLDING
TARGETS
THERMAL CONDUCTIVITY
THERMAL INSULATION
USES