Aerogel As Textiles
Aerogels are ultra-lightweight, highly porous materials with excellent thermal insulation properties. However, their brittle nature makes direct integration into textiles challenging. So then, how can we convert them to more usable form? Let's dive in.
There are several methods to convert aerogels into a textile-friendly form:
Aerogel-Embedded Nonwoven Fabrics
Aerogel particles or granules are incorporated into nonwoven fabric structures using needle punching, thermal bonding, or resin bonding. The aerogel powder is mixed with synthetic fibers (such as polyester or polypropylene) and bonded into a flexible sheet.
Aspen Aerogels' Pyrogel and Cryogel are commercial nonwoven aerogel blankets used in thermal insulation.
Aerogel-Coated Fabrics
Liquid silica aerogel precursor is applied to fabric through dip-coating, spray-coating, or plasma deposition. The aerogel is polymerized and dried in a controlled manner to maintain flexibility.
NASA developed aerogel-coated textiles for space suits and thermal protective clothing.
Aerogel-Filled Fibers (Aerogel Yarns)
Hollow fibers (such as polypropylene or polyester) are infused with aerogel particles or aerogel-forming precursors. The aerogel is then formed inside the fibers via sol-gel processing followed by supercritical drying.
Carbon or silica aerogel-filled fibers are used in lightweight, high-insulation fabrics.
Aerogel-Polymer Composites (Flexible Sheets)
Aerogels are mixed with polymers (such as silicone, polyurethane, or rubber) to improve flexibility. This composite can be molded into thin sheets or laminated onto textiles.
BASF’s SLENTEX® is a flexible aerogel blanket used for clothing insulation.
Electrospun Aerogel Nanofibers
Aerogel solutions are electrospun into ultrafine nanofibers. These fibers form an aerogel membrane that can be laminated onto textile layers.
Electrospun aerogel fibers are used in heat-resistant and breathable fabrics.