Aerogels Have A Variety Of Applications In The Aerospace Industry

Silica Aerogel in Insulation is a highly porous material derived from silica gel with remarkable physical properties. It has the lowest density, thermal conductivity, and refractive index among any solids. It can absorb sound waves at a speed of 100 m/s compared to 332 m/s for air, making it suitable for aerospace applications such as thermal insulation and fire protection. It is also lightweight, allowing it to replace heavier materials with less mass. However, it is still not ready for large-scale industrial production due to its synthesis process and high cost.

To facilitate mass production, scientists are focusing on lowering the processing costs and developing new methods for obtaining the amorphous, foam-like material. One of the most promising alternatives is the use of supercritical carbon dioxide, which can be used to dehydrate aerogel without any heat. The technique also provides the freedom to tailor a wide range of physical properties in accordance with specific requirements.

Aerogels have a variety of applications in the aerospace industry, from hypervelocity particle capture to thermal insulators. The material’s ability to retain its structural integrity in low-velocity impacts has been demonstrated on numerous occasions. Its amorphous structure is highly resistant to both abrasion and shear, maintaining superior mechanical strength with increasing strain and temperature. It has also been tested for endurance during launch and reentry, with no damage reported to the material.

Despite its outstanding properties, it has not yet been commercialized for use in the aviation world due to its high cost and complex preparation methods. However, this may change as the technology advances and production techniques improve. For example, researchers are working on developing an in situ network framework reinforcement method to optimize the pore structure of the silica aerogels and enhance their mechanical properties.

The use of aerogels in space suits has been proposed for its ability to protect astronauts from extreme pressure, temperature, and dust environments. The material would be inserted between layers of the extravehicular mobility unit (EMU) to provide thermal and micrometeoroid protection. The most critical consideration for this application is the material’s ability to withstand the harsh environment while still providing adequate thermal insulation.

Silica aerogel is an attractive material for EMUs because it can resist temperatures up to 250 °C and maintain its mechanical integrity, even when exposed to high levels of radiation and heat. It is also lightweight and can be easily molded to the shape of the body. It is also non-toxic, non-flammable, and does not shed insulation particles, which can make it a safe and effective choice for space missions.

Another potential use for silica aerogel in the aerospace industry is its potential as an energy storage material. Its thermal insulation performance is much higher than traditional materials, which can save space and weight for power batteries. In addition, it can increase battery efficiency and reduce the risk of overheating during charging and discharging. This is particularly important for long-distance flights. However, the use of this material requires additional research on the thermal stability of aerogels at elevated temperatures.