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Aerogel

All articles tagged with #aerogel

technology1 year ago•4 min saved

Airy Material Prevents EV Fire Spread

Aspen Aerogels is developing a highly effective thermal insulation material, aerogel, to prevent the spread of fires in electric vehicles (EVs) caused by lithium-ion battery thermal runaway. The U.S. Department of Energy has provided a $670.6 million loan to Aspen Aerogels to build a new factory in Georgia, aiming to enhance EV safety. Aerogel, which is 99% air, acts as a firewall by slowing down heat transfer, thus containing fires without preventing them. This technology is also applicable in other industries, including natural gas transport and space exploration.

via NPR|

#aerogel #aspenaerogels #batterysafety

science-and-technology1 year ago•2 min saved

"Aerogel: Revolutionizing Future Terahertz Technologies"

Researchers at Linköping University have developed a breakthrough in terahertz wave technology by demonstrating that the transmission of terahertz light can be adjusted when passed through an aerogel composed of cellulose and a conducting polymer. This advancement holds promise for applications in medical imaging and communication, as terahertz waves can pass through non-conductive materials without damaging tissue. The aerogel, which is both water-repellent and can be naturally defrosted via sunlight, offers a large modulation range for regulating the transmission of terahertz waves.

via SciTechDaily|

#aerogel #conducting-polymer #linkoping-university

science-and-technology2 years ago•7 min saved

"New Mexico Scientists Develop Vacuum Balloon for Supersonic Travel"

Scientists at Los Alamos National Laboratory in New Mexico are developing a "vacuum balloon" with a hard shell that could potentially carry humans and travel as fast as a commercial airliner. The balloon, made of super-lightweight aerogel, aims to be lighter than the surrounding atmosphere, allowing it to hover indefinitely. While still in the experimental phase, the research could revolutionize transportation, surveillance, and parcel delivery drones, offering an alternative to traditional helium or hydrogen balloons. The physicist leading the project is seeking funding to continue the research, with potential applications in various industries and the possibility of a steampunk-style future with vacuum blimps as a major mode of transport.

via Daily Mail|

#aerogel #aerospace #los-alamos-national-laboratory

science-and-technology2 years ago•3 min saved

"Cozy and Efficient: Polar Bear-Inspired Sweater Defies Thickness to Keep You Warm"

Chinese scientists have developed a sweater made from a synthetic fibre that mimics the insulating properties of polar bear fur. The sweater, which is one-fifth as thick as a down jacket, offers comparable warmth and durability. The fibre, created using a process called freeze-spinning, maintains its heat-trapping properties even after being stretched, washed, and dyed. The researchers believe this technology could be used in lightweight and durable clothing for sports, military, and space applications, eliminating the need for animal fur or down. However, further improvements are needed to scale up production for mass use.

via Nature.com|

#aerogel #clothing #polar-bear-fur

science-and-technology2 years ago•2 min saved

Cutting-Edge Graphene/Amorphous Boron Nitride Aerogel: A Breakthrough in Thermal Superinsulation

Scientists have developed a chemically bonded multi-nanolayer design and synthesis of a graphene/amorphous boron nitride aerogel (a-BNGA) to improve the thermal and mechanical properties concurrently. The a-BNGA exhibits ultralow density, ultrahigh flexibility, and outstanding thermal stability. It has record-low thermal conductivity in a vacuum among freestanding solid materials, making it a promising material for thermal superinsulation in extreme conditions such as lunar and Mars bases, satellites, and spacecraft. This research opens up opportunities for inorganic aerogels to have other unique functions.

via AZoNano|

#aerogel #amorphous-boron-nitride #graphene