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NASA says one form of aerogel is 99.8% air and 0.2% silicon dioxide by volume. That striking figure is not true of every aerogel: the term covers a family of porous solids whose ingredients and commercial forms vary. Their unusually fine pore networks can make some aerogels highly effective insulators, but “100% cool” is a playful slogan, not a claim that aerogel blocks all heat.
What is aerogel?
An aerogel is a solid whose structure is an extremely porous network. Aspen Aerogels explains that it is made by replacing the liquid in a gel with gas while preserving the gel’s structure. The result is a solid framework with gas-filled pores rather than a conventional dense material.
Silica aerogel is a familiar example, but aerogels are a material family, not a synonym for silica. Other versions can be made from carbon, metal oxides, or biopolymers. Composition and resulting properties depend on the specific material and product.
Is aerogel really 99.8% air?
For one form, yes. NASA’s factsheet states that “one form of this extraordinary substance is actually 99.8 percent air and 0.2 percent silica dioxide (by volume).” That is a volume breakdown for the form described—not a universal recipe for all aerogels. Aspen Aerogels also describes aerogel as reaching up to 99.8% air by volume.
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- Aerogel Insulation Hydrophobic Mat of High Temp.
- The mat is made of high quality aerogel, size: 12’’x12’’, thickness:10mm(3/8inch)
- This version of Spaceloft aerogel is great for Cryogenic temperatures of -328°F to 1200°F
- Unless it is rated for high temperature, don't go putting a torch to your Aerogel
- It is Hydrophobic, which means it will not absorb water. So, moisture from condensation is not a problem.
The percentage describes how much of the material’s volume is air, not how much of its mass is air. A porous solid can occupy a large volume while containing only a small amount of solid framework.
How can aerogel be a solid if it is mostly air?
The gas occupies the pores, while a continuous solid network runs through the material and holds its shape. Think of the network as a very fine three-dimensional scaffold. The material remains a solid even though most of its volume may be empty space filled with gas.
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- 30' = 142.5sq/ft, each roll is 57" wide x 30' long
- The light weight and compression strength of Spaceloft make it an excellent option for areas where weight and space may be issues.
- It is hydrophobic, which aids in preventing corrosion under insulation (CUI), which could lead to costly repairs.
- Application temperatures are greater than Cryogel Z with a range from -460°F (-270°C) to 390°F (199°C)
- Delivers up to 5 times the insulating performance of competing products.
In silica aerogel, that network and its tiny pores also help slow heat transfer. Aspen Aerogels says the air in microscopic pores has little room to move, limiting convection and gas-phase conduction. The solid framework also affects heat flow, so aerogel is an insulator—not a perfect barrier to heat.
What is aerogel used for?
Spacecraft and scientific missions
NASA describes aerogel in spacecraft-insulation contexts and discusses its role in the Stardust mission context. These applications show why a lightweight insulating material can matter in spaceflight, where thermal management and mass are important design considerations.
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- Innovative Nano Materials: Our Nano Fireproof Insulation Blanket is crafted from cutting-edge nano materials, offering superior fire resistance, thermal insulation, and water repellency. It’s your go-to solution for keeping your projects safe and efficient!
- Extreme Temperature Resistance**: Trust in a product that withstands extreme temperatures up to 1200°F (650°C). This Flame Retardant blanket ensures your industrial pipes and equipment are protected from heat damage, making it perfect for high-temperature applications.
- Hydrophobic and Soundproof**: Not only does this Aerogel Insulation provide excellent thermal insulation, but it’s also hydrophobic and soundproof! Say goodbye to moisture issues and noisy environments in your industrial spaces with our versatile insulation blanket.
- Easy Installation: Lightweight and easy to cut and sew, our insulation blanket saves you time and labor during installation. Whether you’re working on pipes, tanks, or industrial furnaces, you'll appreciate how effortlessly it fits to various shapes and sizes!
- Perfect for Various Uses: Designed for a wide range of applications, from power plants and military ship bulkheads to high-speed trains and lifeboats.
Buildings and equipment
Aspen Aerogels lists building and equipment insulation among its applications. Its Spaceloft material combines silica aerogel with reinforcing fiber to create a flexible insulation product, unlike a fragile rigid monolith. A product’s suitability depends on its intended installation and specified performance.
Industrial service and battery thermal barriers
Aspen’s applications page lists product families including Pyrogel, Cryogel, Spaceloft Subsea, and PyroThin for uses spanning industrial insulation, hot or cold service, fire protection, subsea applications, and battery-related thermal barriers. These are engineered products for particular uses; their names alone do not establish that they are interchangeable. Check the current regional datasheet for the relevant thickness, temperature range, thermal conductivity, and other application requirements.
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Can you buy a piece of aerogel?
Educational silica-aerogel granules samples are one possible way to inspect the material. The 2008 Make: article behind the title referred to a sample supplier, but that historical mention does not verify that the supplier is still operating or that any particular listing, price, or marketplace stock is current.
Also distinguish a sample from insulation intended for a building, machine, or battery. A pure aerogel monolith can be rigid and fragile; commercial blankets may reinforce silica aerogel with fiber to make a more flexible product. For a real installation, choose a product for the service environment and verify its current specifications with the manufacturer or an authorized supplier.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- This Aerogel Insulation is New Surplus and was manufactured by Aspen Aerogels
- The light weight and compression strength of Spaceloft make it an excellent option for areas where weight and space may be issues.
- It is hydrophobic, which aids in preventing corrosion under insulation (CUI), which could lead to costly repairs.
- Application temperatures are greater than Cryogel Z with a range from -460°F (-270°C) to 390°F (199°C)
- Delivers up to 5 times the insulating performance of competing products.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
