Aerogels - Innovative Materials

Abstract

Aerogels and Aerogel Composites Aerogels are high-performance porous materials synthesized via sol-gel processes. The morphology of aerogels leads to a unique combination of materials properties as it is built by interconnected nanometer scaled particles and pores. Aerogels possess extremely high porosities of up to 99.9% and high surface areas of up to 3300m²/g. Thanks to morphology aerogels are super insulating materials, deliver ultra-low densities and can act as selective adsorbents. To improve the low mechanical strength diverse combinations with further materials for reinforcement are suitable. For many years a team of scientists and technicians works on Aerogels and Aerogel Composites at the German Aerospace Center (DLR), Institute of Materials Research, in Cologne, Germany. R&D is focused on various applications including thermal insulating for high temperature applications and even under cryogenic conditions, VOC, CO2 and humidity absorption, foundry applications, lightweight construction, new high efficient battery concepts and further more. An interesting selection will be presented.