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"The Microstructured Materials Group
at Berkeley Lab was formed in 1981 by Dr. Arlon Hunt. The initial focus of the group
involved the study of small particles as an energy absorbing medium for solar-thermal
systems. The reappearance of aerogels in research circles presented an obvious opportunity
to extend the ongoing solar energy program to a new class of materials. For several years,
the group studies the fundamental chemistry and physics of the preparation of silica
aerogels. A major advance came in 1983, with the development of the CO2
substitution/drying process. Aerogel work has continued, with recent developments
including new methods for forming composite aerogels via chemical vapor infiltration,
processes leading to photoluminecsent silica aerogels, theoretical and experimental
studies of the thermal conductivity of aerogels, investigation into the effects of
microgravity of gel formation, and silica aerogels as kinetic-energy absorbing
materials."
Navigation across the site content is simple and
efficient. All
available information is
presented at one page (home page) which link you directly to various topics including a
nice page on aerogels history recently enhanced by a biography of the father of Aerogels Samuel
Stephens Kistler compiled and written by Michael Ayers.
Physical, optical, thermal and
mechanical properties of silica aerogels are presented together with a description of
their surface chemistry and pore structure.
You want to make one at home? Non problem.
Click on the page "how aerogels are made" and you will have all the
details for doing it. If the glossary used is esoteric for you, a definition of terms is
provided at the beginning of the page with a brief description of the chemistry
involved.
Although not updated, you will find also a list of bibliographic
references and links to academic groups and commercial sites on aerogels.
Additional Links
Home page
The life and Science of
Samuel Stephens Kistler
A Brief History of Silica Aerogels
Thermal Properties
Mechanical Behavior
Aerogels preparation
Silica Aerogels - Nanocomposites
Physical Properties
Aerogels pore Structure
Aerogels Surface Chemistry
Aerogels Optical Properties
Aerogel Photo Gallery
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