Silica aerogels and their preparation
US9073759B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Aug 9, 2011 |
| Grant date | Jul 7, 2015 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Aug 9, 2031 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC C)Chemistry; Metallurgy
- CPC primaryC01P2006/16
- WIPO fieldMaterials, metallurgy
- WIPO sectorChemistry
Abstract
Silica aerogels with improved properties are disclosed together with methods for synthesizing such aerogels. The improved properties include lower thermal conductivity (better insulating capacity), lower acoustic velocity, lower dielectric constant and improved ductility. Greater tunability of the refractive index can also be achieved. The silica aerogels are prepared by a sol-gel processing method that provides better control of the formation of aerogel structures. Generally speaking, the improvements arise from control of the synthesis to create a morphology of primary clusters and diverse-sized secondary clusters of dense silica aerogels separated by less densely packed regions. By providing a broader range of secondary clusters and/or pore sizes and loose connectivity between clusters, reductions can be achieved in thermal conductivity and flexural modulus.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.