The Secret to Insulation with Aerogel
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1. The selection of materials lays the foundation for insulation.
Silica-based aerogels have become the preferred material due to their extremely low thermal conductivity (0.013 - 0.016 W/m·K). Their unique nano-porous structure acts like a sturdy barrier, effectively blocking heat conduction. Moreover, researchers have discovered that adding an appropriate amount of carbon fibers or ceramic fibers can enhance the mechanical strength of the aerogel while still maintaining its excellent thermal insulation properties. The control of raw material purity is almost extremely strict, as any impurities could have a negative impact on the performance of the final product. Only by ensuring purity can the excellent thermal insulation performance of the aerogel be firmly established.
II. Structural Optimization Achieves Thermal Insulation Advantage
The technical team was able to precisely control the sol-gel process, thereby forming uniform pores with diameters ranging from 20 to 50 nanometers. This intricate structure is like a precise maze, minimizing air convection and heat conduction to the greatest extent. Experimental data strongly demonstrate that when the porosity is within the range of 90% to 99.8%, the insulation effect of the aerogel reaches its optimal state. Additionally, the research found that the three-dimensional network structure has superior overall insulation performance compared to the two-dimensional structure, providing strong support for the aerogel's leading position in the field of insulation.
III. Process Control Ensures Outstanding Performance
Supercritical drying is a crucial step in the production of high-performance aerogels. During this process, technicians need to precisely control the temperature and pressure, just like a precise dancer controlling every movement, to avoid the collapse of the gel structure and ensure the stability of the aerogel's properties. Although atmospheric pressure drying is a lower-cost alternative, the research and development team is well aware that it will have an impact on the porosity and strength of the final product. Therefore, they prefer to adopt the supercritical drying process. Additionally, the post-treatment stage, such as hydrophobic modification, is a key step that can significantly enhance the stability of the aerogel in humid environments, allowing the aerogel to maintain excellent performance in various complex conditions.