Method for preparing silica aerogel blanket

A method for preparing a silica aerogel blanket, the method comprising:

• preparing silica sol containing a silica precursor composition;
• impregnating a blanket substrate with the silica sol;
• subjecting the silica sol to gelation in the state in which the blanket substrate is impregnated with the silica sol to prepare a silica wet gel blanket;
• surface modifying the silica wet gel blanket;
• and
• placing the surface modified silica wet gel blanket in a steam dryer;
• and supplying steam to dry the blanket,
• wherein a temperature inside the steam dryer is greater than 70° C.