What Is an Aerogel?
An aerogel is a porous material created by drying a gel to remove the solvent.
Aerogels are known for their low density and exceptional thermal insulation properties, making them some of the lightest and best insulating solid materials available.
The production process typically involves supercritical drying, where the gel is exposed to high temperature and pressure, surpassing the critical point of the solvent. This method prevents significant shrinkage of the gel, preserving its unique structure.
Another notable feature of aerogels is their rare combination of high transparency and insulating properties. This quality has led to potential applications, including their use in items such as car and house window glass, where both insulation and transparency are desirable.