Scientists sometimes call it as the Miracle Material because of the properties it has and the potential application areas where the product can be used. This product is actually called Aerogel and is sometimes also known as ‘Frozen Smoke’ or ‘Blue Smoke’.
Aerogel can completely transform the 21st century as it can protect your home against a bomb blast, mop up oil spillages and even aid man in the first manned mission to the red planet scheduled for 2018.
Chemical Makeup:
Aerogel is a low-density solid-state material derived from gel in which the liquid component has been replaced by gas through a process knows as ‘Supercritical Drying’. This allows the liquid to be slowly drawn off without causing the solid matrix in the gel to collapse from capillary action. Initially aerogel was produced from silica gels, but later research enabled scientists to base the material on alumina, chromia and tin oxide.
Physical Properties:
Aerogel is a product with the lowest density known to man. To touch, it feels like light but rigid foam. Although aerogel is classed as solid, 99% of the substance is made up of gas, which gives it a cloudy appearance. Initially the material was not that strong. Pressing softly on an aerogel typically did not leave any mark, but pressing a bit more firmly left a permanent dimple on its surface. Pressing more than that caused a catastrophic breakdown in the sparse structure, causing it to shatter like glass. In 2002 Aspen Aerogel, a company created by NASA, produced a stronger and more flexible version of the gel. This version opened a new era of applications that could benefit from the miracle properties of this miracle material. Despite the fact that the material is prone to shattering, it is very strong structurally. The secret behind this amazing structural strength is the presence of spherical particles of the average size 2-5 nm that are fused together into clusters.
Applications:
Scientists are hailing that this ‘Miracle Material’ will completely change the world. From protecting you from bomb blasts, getting you cleaner water and taking man on its longest cosmic journey, the material finds uses in both conventional and non-conventional works.
NASA wants to use the material to insulate the astronauts who will be landing on the red planet. Aerogel has unique insulation properties that a mere 18mm layer of the material can protect these astronauts from temperatures as low as -130C. Scientists have also stated that this is the greatest insulator ever developed by man. The space agency has already used the material in its Stardust Space Probe in which they wanted the material to absorb the dust from a comet’s tail. Aerogel showed its worth in the probe and returned with a rich collection of dust last year.
Military Applications:
Army wants to use the structural strength of Aerogel as armor for military vehicles. The material is so efficient against dynamite that in tests a metal plate coated in 6mm aerogel was left almost unscathed by a direct dynamite blast. Aerogel is also being tested for future bombproof houses.
Eco-friendly Applications:
Scientists have developed a new version of aerogel that is designed to mop up lead and mercury from water. This in future can be used to recycle gray water or runoff water. Scientists are also optimistic that it could be used to deal with environmental catastrophes such as the Sea Empress spillage in 1996, when 72,000 tons of crude oil was released off the coast of Milford Haven in Pembrokeshire. Aerogel has millions of pores and ridges. These nano-sized pores can also be used to collect air pollutants.
Applications as an Insulator:
The insulating properties of the product can not only be used on Mars but on our planet also. Researchers want the product to be used in mountaineering gear such as shoes or jackets that can prevent the damage caused when humans have to live in extreme cold conditions for long. Anne Parmenter, a British mountaineer, climbed Everest using boots that had aerogel insoles, as well as sleeping bags padded with the material. She said at the time – “The only problem I had was that my feet were too hot, which is a great problem to have as a mountaineer.” The material is such an insulator that it failed in the fashion world. Hugo Boss created a line of winter jackets that they had to withdraw later when complaints that they were too hot started coming in.
Miscellaneous Applications:
Till now we have told you the areas where aerogel can refine things. The material not only can be used for space clothing or warfare, but also has some use in sports gear. Dunlop, the sports equipment company, has developed a range of squash and tennis rackets strengthened with aerogel, which the company claims can deliver more power to your shot.
Future Applications:
Researchers are now trying to develop some versions of aerogel which are made from platinum and can be used to speed up the production of hydrogen. If the research turns out to be fruitful, then aerogel will also be used to make hydrogen-based fuels.
