Methods for fabrication of silica aerogels with custom shapes using freeze drying
US11654409B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jul 27, 2020 |
| Grant date | May 23, 2023 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 4, 2041 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC C)Chemistry; Metallurgy
- CPC primaryC08J2383/08
- WIPO fieldMacromolecular chemistry, polymers
- WIPO sectorChemistry
Abstract
A method of synthesizing aerogels and cross-linked aerogels are described that incorporate freeze-drying in lieu of super-critical solvent drying. Advantages over supercritical drying include a reduction in hazard risks posed by drying at supercritical conditions as well as the ability to up-scale the process to accommodate large pieces of material without introducing risk. In addition, inexpensive and more sophisticated mold technologies, which are not impervious to super-critical conditions, can be used to produce aerogel materials according to the freeze-drying method of the invention. This introduces a level of freedom never before available for the production of aerogel components.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.