Aerogel Composite Structure for Thermal Insulation Under Compression
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Solution Overview
Problem
Silica aerogel thermal insulation materials collapse under pressurization environments, leading to significant degradation of thermal insulation properties due to continuous thermal expansion and external pressure.
Innovation Solution
An aerogel composite is developed, comprising a fiber substrate with silica aerogel particles that maintain thermal insulation properties by having a specific structure with open pores and a three-dimensional network, as evidenced by small angle X-ray scattering analysis, which shows a slope in the scattering intensity versus wave number graph within a certain range, and exhibits a heat transmission coefficient that remains within a specific range even under compression.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If silica aerogel blanket is used for thermal insulation, then thermal insulation properties are improved (thermal conductivity ≤ 0.300 W/mK), but structural stability deteriorates under pressurization (aerogel structure collapses)
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs porous aerogel particles with controlled pore structures (predominantly mesopores of 2-50 nm) as the core insulation material. The porous structure provides excellent thermal insulation by trapping heat in the nanoscale pores, while the specific pore size distribution maintains structural integrity under compression pressures up to 30 bar.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite material system consisting of aerogel particles combined with binder materials and optionally hydrophobic coating layers. This composite structure allows the aerogel to maintain its insulating properties while the binder and coating provide mechanical strength and pressure resistance, preventing structural collapse under compression.
2Quantity of substance
If aerogel structure is compressed, then density increases, but thermal insulation performance degrades (heat transmission coefficient increases)
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes critical parameters including pore size distribution (predominantly mesopores of 2-50 nm), particle density (0.03-0.50 g/cm³), and compression resistance (maintaining structure under 30 bar). By controlling these parameters, the aerogel maintains its low heat transmission coefficient even when compressed, as the optimized pore structure prevents complete collapse and maintains thermal barrier properties.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The aerogel composite maintains excellent thermal insulation performance without significant degradation even when compressed, with a heat transmission coefficient that is either less than or equal to 1.8 times the original value, and a compression recovery rate of 60% or greater, ensuring consistent thermal insulation under pressurization.
Implementation Method 1
small angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) graph showing a log plot of scattering intensity versus wave number for the aerogel particles
Implementation Method 2
super-insulation properties exhibiting a thermal conductivity of approximately 0.300 W/mK or less
Implementation Method 3
aerogel is a superporous material with a high specific surface area (>500 m2/g), having a porosity of about 90% to 99.9%
Data Source
AI summary
An aerogel composite having an excellent level of thermal insulation even when compressed and deformed under application of pressure resulting from various causes is provided. The aerogel composite can be used as a thermal insulation material for batteries, electronic devices, automobiles, industrial equipment, structures, or the like.