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Aerogels have Gained Significant Popularity Over the Years with Prominent Applications as an Insulating Material and in Space Vehicles

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Ajinkya
Aerogels have Gained Significant Popularity Over the Years with Prominent Applications as an Insulating Material and in Space Vehicles

Aerogels are a new type of polymer microparticles that were developed by NASA and later used in cushions and other products. NASA has claimed that the material they developed has the potential to be a superb alternative to fiberglass, yet won't be used as airplane material as it is not strong enough. Aerogels were first tested in 2021 and proved their strength and flexibility in both compression and expansion tests. The reason why NASA chose to use Aerogels as opposed to fiberglass was that it does not deform when weight is applied to it, nor does it break. Moreover, its natural state makes it highly sustainable compared to other materials.

Aerogel is essentially a synthetic polymer, where the liquid constituents of the polymer are replaced by inert gas in place of a liquid ingredient, without significant distortion of the polymer structure. The end result is a hard, solid with very low density and very low thermal conductivity. Due to these properties, many scientists have used Aerogels for various applications. For instance, they can be used to create a hard, durable fabric for armor and protection on the edges of vehicles. The material is also being tested to replace Styrofoam peanuts in soft drink cans. Another application of aerogels is in the areas of water desalination. It proves to be a much more cost-effective substitute for mineral salts. Since the substance is so conductive, it does not attract salt particles. It is also very dense, so it makes an excellent replacement for ground salt.

Aerogels are flexible, lightweight, high density, self-healing, and fire-resistant materials. They are considered to be cost-effective compared to their structural counterparts. Due to their amazing performance characteristics and flexibility, they make for an excellent product in a wide range of applications. In the area of cosmetics, aerogels are increasingly being used. In fact, Aerogels make up the major part of cosmetic application creams. Aerogels have even made an appearance on television, where doctors are examining patients with burn scars and gauging the degree of their scars using gel test applications. The material has proven very successful in the cosmetic world. One company that makes aerogels as an ingredient in their line of products, calls them "fabric of the future". Aerogels are used extensively in the construction industry.

They are found in roofing shingles, particularly those that are asphalt-based. It has proven to be a superior product and has a high resistance to fire. Its ability to resist high temperatures makes it an excellent choice in applications requiring strength and durability. Aerogels are sometimes combined with other materials to increase their strength and stiffness. Some combinations of polyester resin and high-density foam have found high success in applications ranging from residential roofs to airplane hoses. The material is also used in military applications, particularly for armor plates. In the medical industry, aerogels have found uses in many unique areas. One such application is in the creation of dental castings. The material provides a hard surface that is ideal for creating intricate designs, such as crowns and porcelain. Another use is in the manufacture of silicone inserts that hold prosthetic limbs together. These castings can endure extreme temperatures and resist extreme pressures.

Read More @ https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/aerogels-have-gained-significant-popularity-over-years-ajinkya-k/


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