Aerogel

[zonk]

found this worth sharing

What is Aerogel? Theory, Properties and Applications
http://www.azom.com/article.aspx?ArticleID=6499

Aerogel | World’s Lightest Material | Aerogel Lighter Than Air | Aerogel Insulation
http://www.mechanicalengineeringblog.co ... nsulation/


http://www.aerogeltechnologies.com/

[tuj]

I've heard of aerogel for aero-space applications, but what would be the application on a racecar?

[Pup]

Aerogels have been discussed here before. They've been around for years and years, so certainly the teams are aware of it and perhaps may use it in places. My guess as to why they either aren't used or aren't more prevalent is simply that other insulators/reflectors offer the heat protection the teams need at a lower cost.

[Belatti]

Does someone knows how is it commercially availiable? (what shape, presentation, etc)
and cost?
has someone used it?
Is it easy to shape?

[zonk]

More info about aerogels http://www.aerogel.org/?p=71

[piast9]

Does someone knows how is it commercially availiable? (what shape, presentation, etc)
and cost?

Google for aerogel thermal insulation. This stuff doesn't look so cool as the laboratory samples though.

[Holm86]

Does someone knows how is it commercially availiable? (what shape, presentation, etc)
and cost?

Google for aerogel thermal insulation. This stuff doesn't look so cool as the laboratory samples though.

Perhaps because its just not the same material?? I don't know if it is or not. But I saw some yellow plastic like material which was called Aerogel Insulation a while back. But I just think they thought the name sounded cool.

Just like the tennis racket company that used the name Graphene on their rackets. Without them containing any grapheme. They just trademarked the name as no one had done that before. Just for the PR value.

Another exciting material that reminds me of aerogel is the new aerographite http://www.extremetech.com/extreme/1330 ... per-strong

[Lycoming]

Chevrolet is using aerogel for insulation in the new Corvette.

http://gmauthority.com/blog/2013/07/wha ... -stingray/

[Moxie]

Finally, A topic in F1 technical that falls smack dab into my field of expertise. Finally a chance to shine in front of all of the engineers that I find to be a bit intimidating in the forums. ANNNDDDD wouldn't you know it. I am still at a loss for information. UGGGGHHHHH

My trade is insulation, and I must admit my bread and butter are fiberglass, ceramic fiber and calcium silicate. However in todays highly engineered world, I have had opportunity to work with a great many products for specialty purposes. I try to keep abreast of recent developments, because even as a tradesman knowledge improves my standing within the profession. Aerogel has been on my radar for several years now, but I still have not gotten my hands on a sample. A buddy of mine was on a job where it was used. While he did not use it himself, as an apprenticeship teacher, he made sure to take the time to watch it being used. His verdict: It is extremely difficult to work with physically. It was also quite hazardous. Safety requirements were full faced respirators, and Tyvek suits.

Other products I'd love to get my hands on are carbon foam, and aluminum or copper foam. Any of you engineers out there with a lead on samples please contact me. It would be great to bring technical and practical knowledge to the tradesmen that have to use the stuff.

[countersteer]

When I was in the water heater industry, we did some research and tests using Aerogel as supplied by Bayer. This was in the mid 90's. At the time, the Aerogel we were using came in a extremely lightweight granular form. We were making the top insulation for a residential storage type water heater. Two round pieces of foil were bonded together (don't remember the process) with the powder filling the inside. (think of stacking two pizza pans together and sealing the periphery but made of foil.) A vacuum was pulled on the assembly trapping the granular aerogel and making the assembly rigid.
It was to be used to replace a blown foam insulation but the results couldn't justify the cost. It was a great insulator but...

[zonk]

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=pl ... 8OhJKR3AA4[/youtube]

Does someone knows how is it commercially availiable? (what shape, presentation, etc)
and cost?
has someone used it?
Is it easy to shape?

Have a look here: http://www.buyaerogel.com/

[Moxie]

After reading this thread I called the buddy I mentioned to get a better description of the product he witnessed being used. His description best matches this product.


http://www.buyaerogel.com/product/cryog ... t-to-size/

Recognize that this product of for cryogenic applications. Just looking at it I can see why my friend said it was difficult to work, for cryogenic work has very tight specs.

I can see how the same product may prove quite useful in an automotive application. The key is do you want to have your crew suit up in respirators and Tyvek every time they need to install it or remove it?

[Manoah2u]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=pl ... 8OhJKR3AA4

Does someone knows how is it commercially availiable? (what shape, presentation, etc)
and cost?
has someone used it?
Is it easy to shape?

Have a look here: http://www.buyaerogel.com/

well this is an interesting material

[PlatinumZealot]

Does someone knows how is it commercially availiable? (what shape, presentation, etc)
and cost?
has someone used it?
Is it easy to shape?

It is used to insulate tanks. It comes in sheets. It is available all over. I was going to use it on a project. I might just use it and let you guys know how it performs vs mineral wool.

[Powerslide]

aerogel chassis?