Tailored Silica Based Xerogels and Aerogels for Insulation in Space Environments

摘要: In this work, the sol-gel technology is used to produce silica based xerogels and aerogels suitable for insulation applications in Space. The properties of obtained materials are tailored varying precursor – Methyltrimethoxysilane (MTMS) or Methyltriethoxysilane (MTES), solvent methanol ethanol. A two-step acid-base catalyzed synthesis used, being gels dried at atmospheric pressure, case xerogels, supercritical conditions, aerogels. Density thermal conductivity must be made as low possible sought application only highly porous can fulfill requirement. aerogels, either with MTMS MTES, show very promising Space, when solvent. more exhibit density (80-100 kg/m3), high surface area (~ 400 m2/g) small pore size 30-40 A). They also moderate flexibility a remarkable hydrophobic character 150o).