Aerogels are remarkable materials that are useful for many applications across several technology platforms. They are lightweight super insulating materials with low thermal conductivity.
Aerogels are produced by extracting the liquid component of a gel through a suitable drying method. If robust and practical aerogels can be manufactured with these nano scale raw materials, they will have exciting potential due to their thermal insulation regulating abilities. One potetnial application is in consturction as lightweight insulating materials
It is envisaged that one student will focus on the effects of pH on the formation of aerogels, and their characterisation. A second student will incorporate addtional components (natural rubber latex) to impart more flexibility in the final aerogel. Ideally the students will progress to the stage of incorporating the aerogels in to concrete and study its thermal propoerties as a function of time.
Background
For the successful preparation of aerogel monoliths from pre-formed nanoparticles three aspects are fundamental:
1.quality of the colloidal nanoparticle dispersion
2.gelation steps.
3. drying step
The controlled destabilization of the nanoparticle dispersions into aerogel, i.e., the formation of a 3-dimensionally branched network of nanoparticles, is a critical step. The mechanical stability of the aerogel is influenced by the quality of the nanoparticle dispersion and the gelation step.
It is known that the pH variation is an important parameter in the formation of aerogels. Hence the effect of pH on destabilization of the colloidal silica and gel formation needs to be studied.
The performance of the produced gels needs to be studied to assess the insulation performance in terms of.
1. Thermal conductivity values
2. R values
Compositions of 10%, 20% and 30% of aerogels in the mix will be used to study the TC and R values of the concrete after 7 days, 14 and 28 days.
Undergraduate
the introduction of silica aerogel from sustainable sources in NZ, into a cement matrix, contributes to a reduction in the density of the material by increasing the porosity, which in turn contributes to a significant reduction in the thermal conductivity coefficient. These aspects will contribute to the wider applicability of these materials in many technology platforms including the construction industry.
None
No lab has been assigned to this project