Compression molding of aerogel microspheres

Patent · Tue Mar 24 00:00:00 EST 1998

OSTI ID:871435

Pekala, Richard W ^[1]; Hrubesh, Lawrence W ^[2]

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1. Pleasant Hill, CA
2. Pleasanton, CA

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. 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.

• Research Organization: Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL), Livermore, CA (United States)
• DOE Contract Number: W-7405-ENG-48
• Assignee: Regents of University of California (Oakland, CA)
• Patent Number(s): US 5731360
• Application Number: 08/610621
• OSTI ID: 871435
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

compression
molding
aerogel
microspheres
composite
material
produced
powders
mixed
percentage
polymer
binder
form
monolithic
shapes
cost-effective
manner
composites
formed
mixing
placing
mixture
mold
heating
pressure
results
density
50-800
kg
05-0
80
cc
thermal
conductivity
below
air
aerogels
resulting
attractive
applications
insulation
fabrication
require
expensive
processing
equipment
addition
utilized
filtration
icf
target
double
layer
capacitors
capacitive
deionization
material produced
polymer binder
layer capacitors
aerogel composites
layer capacitor
aerogel microspheres
thermal insulation
thermal conductivity
composite material
double layer
capacitive deionization
aerogel composite
processing equipment
icf target
compression molding
compression mold
composite mat
formed aerogel
monolithic aerogel
cost-effective manner
/521/