Overview

Silica aerogels are world’s best thermal insulation materials. These are nanoporous material with ultra low density. Literally aerogels mean air filled gels. ARCI has embarked on development of silica aerogel granules and powders for various applications using a novel method for which the patent has been applied. Granules and powders of silica aerogel can be very conveniently used in many ways such as by filling them around the object to be insulated or these can be sandwiched between metal, glass, wood plates, fabric etc. and also can be used as an additive to paints, cement, bricks, insulation panels etc.

Key Features

  •     Granule size : ~ 1 mm (Tuneable)
  •     Powder size: ≥ 10 µm
  •     Packing density: 0.03 - 0.07 g/cc
  •     Thermal stability : - 200 to 800 C
  •     Surface area: ~ 800 – 1500 m 2 /g
  •     Thermal conductivity: 0.03 W/mK at RT (transient plane method)
  •     Hydrophilic or hydrophobic, as per requirement
  •     Colour : Translucent or opaque or black (depending on functionality)

Potential Applications

Thermal insulating
  •     Paints
  •     Building material such as cement, bricks, wall plaster etc
  •     Window panels
  •     Textiles
  •     Heat / cold storages
 
Technology Readiness Level:
  • 1kg of silica aerogel granules can be produced in one batch from presently available lab production facility with properties mentioned above

 

Status

  • Basic concepts and understanding of underlying scientific principles
  • Short listing possible applications
  • Research to prove technical feasibility for targeted application

    Indian Patent No. 290370 : Improved method for producing carbon containing silica aerogel granules, Neha Hebalkar