Method of low pressure and/or evaporative drying of aerogel
AssigneeThe Regents of the University of California
InventorsSteven T. Mayer, James L. Kaschmitter, Richard W. Pekala
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A process whereby Resorcinol/Formaldehyde (RF) aerogel having a density of about 0.4-1.2 g/cc can be manufactured using a simple air drying procedure. This process is inherently simpler, quicker, and less expensive than the more conventional supercritical or subcritical CO.sub.2 extraction procedures. RF aerogels can be used as produced, such as in insulation applications, or pyrolyzed to form carbon aerogels with a density of about 0.9 g/cc for use in applications such as batteries, supercapacitors, etc.
Claims24
In a process for producing organic aerogels, the improvement comprising:
- positioning the aerogel such that at least one surface thereof is exposed to air;
- and
- removing the fluid from the pores of the aerogel by air drying.
A method for producing an aerogel having a density in the range of 0.4-1.2 g/cc, comprising the steps of:
- forming a mixture of a polymeric material with a solvent;
- allowing the mixture to gel while minimizing any evaporation;
- curing the thus gelled mixture to form an aquagel;
- exchanging water in the aquagel with a selected solvent;
- allowing the selected solvent to at least partially evaporate;
- and
- air drying to form an aerogel.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.