what's this?Flexible Aerogel Materials
Project Status: Completed
Description:
The objective of this project is to establish a viable, domestic manufacturing capability for high volume, high quality, low cost aerogel-based blanket materials for high temperature applications.
An aerogel is a solid with nanometer-size pores and is typically made from silica. The pores, typically on the order of 10nm in diameter, are formed by the open silica lattice structure. Essentially, an aerogel is “puffed-up sand” with up to 99% open porosity. The nano-scale lattice structure and pores create very unique properties in the solid material, making the aerogel an incredible insulator.
Approved for public release # 88ABW-2011-1990
Contractor Information
Aspen Aerogels, Inc
Government Office:
To speak with a Title III representative about a specific project, call (937) 904-4382.
Contract Details:
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Date of Contract Award: September 17, 2004
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Total Contract Value: $ 55,138,295.00
Aspens high temperature (Pyrogel XT) aerogel blanket product
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Applications and Benefits
Various DoD systems will benefit from the thermal and acoustic insulation, infrared signature reduction and thermal management provided by the high temperature aerogel blanket materials. Aerogel-lined tents are one example.
A prototype tent insulation system has been developed in which an aerogel liner is incorporated or integrated into the tent skin itself. In this manner, the insulation is automatically installed as the tent is erected. The compression resistance of the aerogel material ensures that the R-3 value of the insulation is maintained through shipping and in service. Test results indicate that the aerogel liner provides increased performance over the traditional system while offering reduced weight and volume.
Aerogel insulation can reduce the internal temperature and increase the air conditioner efficiency in up-armored High Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicles (HMMWVs or Humvees). Test results validated an ability to reduce the internal vehicle temperature from 130°F ambient, plus solar load, to 85°F.
Activities and Accomplishments
- Established a high volume production capability for high temperature aerogel materials.
- Improved yields, reduced cycle time and manufacturing costs.
- Testing is underway at the National Training Center, Fort Irwin CA, in the Net Zero Plus
Joint Capabilities Technology Demonstration on two prototype aerogel tent-liners.
- 90K square feet of insulation installed in the interior walls of Wedge 5-2 of the Pentagon during its renovation.
For more information, please visit www.aerogel.com
