Overview
ARCI has embarked on world class product development, “Silica aerogel flexible sheets” for thermal insulation application with the objectives of indigenization under the ‘Make in India’ initiative. Silica aerogel is an ultra-low density nanoporous material known for its best thermal insulation property in wide range of temperatures from cryo to high. In spite of all the potential benefits of aerogels, its commercial use was restricted due to its fragile nature. ARCI’s product made up of fiber-aerogel composite overcomes this limitation by making it mechanically stronger and flexible. The silica aerogel in this product has a special property of infra-red radiation reflection which helps to minimize the radiation by thermal conduction at high temperature. The product possesses all the properties ideally required as the best thermal insulation material such as low thermal conductivity, corrosion resistance, chemical resistance, good compressive strength, light weight, moisture resistance, fire resistance etc.
Key Features
- Thickness : 5 mm – 25 mm
- Thermal stability : - 50 oC to 800 oC
- Thermal conductivity : 0.04W/mK at RT (Transient plane method)
- Density : 0.2 g/cc
- Good Mechanical strength: Can take ~ 80 N force and elongation of 5mm
- Neutral in pH (water vapours passing through show pH 7) Non-corrosive
- Hydrophobic; if immersed in water for 5 hours, < 1% water is retained in the sheet
- Breathable
Potential Applications
Thermal insulation in sectors like
- Industrial like power plants, oil & gas industry
- Architectural
- Automotive
- Defence and Aerospace
- Heat / cold storages
Status
- Aerogel sheet production up-scaled to 300 x 3000 mm size
- Tailored to achieve all the ideal characteristics for ideal insulation material
- Technology transferred to an Indian Industry for commercialization
Intellectual Property Development Index (IPDI)
Level
1
2
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8
9
10
Description
Basic concepts and understanding of underlying scientific principles
Shortlisting possible applications
Research to prove technical feasibility for targeted application
Coupon level testing in simulated conditions
Check repeatability/consistency
Prototype testing in real-life conditions
Check repeatability/consistency
Reassessing feasibility (IP, competition technology, commercial)
Initiate technology transfer
Support in stabilizing production
Status
| Level | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 |
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| Description | Basic concepts and understanding of underlying scientific principles | Shortlisting possible applications | Research to prove technical feasibility for targeted application | Coupon level testing in simulated conditions | Check repeatability/consistency | Prototype testing in real-life conditions | Check repeatability/consistency | Reassessing feasibility (IP, competition technology, commercial) | Initiate technology transfer | Support in stabilizing production |
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For more details on Intellectual Property Development Indices, Click here
Technology Readiness Level (TRL)
| TRL | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Description | Basic Principles | Concept Formulation | Proof of Concept | Lab Validation | Relevant Environment | Prototype Demo | Operational Demo | System Qualified | Proven / Market Ready |
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- Indian Patent No. 305898 : An improved process for producing silica aerogel thermal insulation product with increased efficiency, Neha Hebalkar
- Indian Patent Application No. 202541029826: A method for the synthesis of silica aerogel product, Neha Hebalkar