Fire-Class Reinforced Aerogel Compositions for Thermal Insulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing aerogel compositions lack improved performance in thermal resistance, hydrophobicity, and fire resistance, necessitating the development of fire-class reinforced aerogel compositions with enhanced properties.
Innovation Solution
A reinforced aerogel composition comprising a silica-based framework with an open-cell macroporous framework (OCMF) material and a fire-class additive, incorporating hydrophobic-bound silicon, achieves improved insulation, durability, and flame-resistance properties.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If conventional aerogel compositions are used, then low thermal conductivity is achieved, but fire resistance and hydrophobicity are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a composite aerogel material combining silica-based aerogel framework with organic binder and fire-class additives. This composite structure maintains the low thermal conductivity of aerogel while incorporating fire-resistant components (such as aluminum hydroxide, magnesium hydroxide, or boron compounds) that raise the heat of combustion to 717 cal/g or less, thereby resolving the contradiction between thermal insulation performance and fire resistance
Solution Approach 2:
The patent modifies the chemical composition parameters of the aerogel by incorporating specific fire-class additives and controlling the heat of combustion parameter to be 717 cal/g or less. This parameter change transforms the material from conventional aerogel with insufficient fire resistance to fire-class reinforced aerogel that meets fire safety requirements while maintaining thermal insulation properties
2Temperature
If conventional aerogel compositions are used, then thermal insulation is achieved, but hydrophobicity is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies the surface chemical properties of the aerogel by incorporating hydrophobic agents or treating the silica-based framework to achieve hydrophobicity. This parameter change in surface chemistry reduces liquid water uptake to 30 wt% or less while preserving the thermal insulation performance of the aerogel structure
3Reliability
If fire-class additives are incorporated, then fire resistance is improved, but thermal conductivity may increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent distributes fire-class additives locally within the aerogel framework at optimized concentrations. By placing fire-resistant components (such as aluminum hydroxide or magnesium hydroxide) strategically within the porous structure rather than uniformly throughout, the material achieves fire resistance (heat of combustion ≤717 cal/g) while minimizing the impact on thermal conductivity, as the additives are confined to specific regions rather than compromising the overall aerogel architecture
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 composition exhibits thermal conductivity of 30 mW/m*K or less, liquid water uptake of 30 wt % or less, and a heat of combustion of 717 cal/g or less, demonstrating superior thermal insulation and fire resistance.
Implementation Method 1
Aerogels function as insulators primarily by minimizing conduction (low structural density results in tortuous path for energy transfer through the solid framework)
Implementation Method 2
convection (large pore volumes and very small pore sizes result in minimal convection)
Implementation Method 3
radiation (IR absorbing or scattering dopants are readily dispersed throughout the aerogel matrix)
Implementation Method 4
the silica-based aerogel framework comprises at least one hydrophobic-bound silicon
Data Source
AI summary
The current disclosure provides reinforced aerogel compositions that are durable and easy to handle, have favorable performance in aqueous environments, have favorable insulation properties, and have favorable, reaction to fire, combustion and flame-resistance properties. Also provided are methods of preparing or manufacturing such reinforced aerogel compositions. In certain embodiments, the composition has a silica-based aerogel framework, reinforced with an open-cell macroporous framework, and includes one or more fire-class additives, where the silica-based aerogel framework comprises at least one hydrophobic-bound silicon and the composition or each of its components has desired properties.