Calidit is at the forefront of developing cutting-edge aerogel technology, driving innovation and sustainability in various industries. Aerogels, known as the lightest solid materials, offer unique properties that make them ideal for numerous applications. This article delves into the creation, characteristics, and significance of silica aerogels, highlighting Calidit’s commitment to advancing this remarkable technology.
Imagine you have a delicate honeycomb structure filled with honey. Now, imagine carefully removing all the honey from the honeycomb without damaging the structure itself. The result would be a lightweight, airy honeycomb, still retaining its shape but now filled with air instead of honey. This is similar to how aerogels are made.
Aerogels are created by combining a polymer with a solvent to form a gel. Then, the liquid is carefully removed from the gel and replaced with air, making the aerogels extremely porous and very low in density. They are solid to the touch and have a unique, translucent appearance.
When the term “aerogel” is used on its own, it often specifically refers to silica aerogels. This is similar to using the term “plastic” to specifically mean polyethylene, despite there being many other types of plastic like polypropylene, acrylic, Teflon, and Nylon. Silica aerogel is the most common type of aerogel and is created through a process known as a sol-gel reaction. In this reaction, a liquid mixture (sol) gradually forms a network structure (gel), where the liquid fills the pores of the gel. To create the aerogel, the liquid within these pores is carefully replaced with gas, resulting in an incredibly light and low-density solid with remarkable properties, including hydrophobicity (water-repellency).
Silica aerogel consists of a solid framework of tiny, three-dimensional clusters that make up only 3% of its volume. These clusters are poor conductors of heat. The remaining 97% of the aerogel is filled with air trapped in microscopic pores. Because these pores are so small, the air can’t move much, which prevents heat transfer through convection and gas-phase conduction. These properties make silica aerogel the lightest solid in the world and an excellent thermal insulator.
Calidit employs advanced aerogel technology in its insulation solutions, particularly for cryogenic insulation purposes. By harnessing the unique properties of aerogels, such as their extremely low density and excellent thermal insulation capabilities, Calidit provides exceptional solutions that meet the highest performance and safety standards. Our use of aerogel technology ensures that we deliver superior insulation performance, effectively reducing heat transfer and improving energy efficiency across various applications.
In addition to traditional aerogels, Calidit also utilizes aerogels in the production of Pyrogel, a high-performance insulation material designed for industrial applications. Pyrogel is a flexible aerogel blanket that incorporates silica aerogel with reinforcing fibers, providing superior thermal performance and mechanical resilience. It is ideal for insulating curved surfaces and complex shapes typical of today’s refining and petrochemical infrastructure. Pyrogel offers up to five times better thermal performance compared to competing materials and is hydrophobic and breathable, ensuring long-lasting water resistance and corrosion protection.
Cryogel is another specialized type of aerogel that Calidit employs for use in very cold environments, such as those found in cryogenic and low-temperature applications. Cryogel is a flexible, lightweight material that provides excellent insulation, meaning it keeps heat from escaping or entering. Despite its thinness, Cryogel is highly effective at stopping heat transfer. It is also resistant to water and can handle significant mechanical stress, making it durable and long-lasting.
In simple terms, Cryogel is like a super-thin, super-lightweight blanket that keeps things cold by not letting heat pass through it. It’s used in places like petrochemical plants and LNG facilities to insulate pipes and equipment that need to stay at very low temperatures.
In summary, while the term “aerogel” often specifically refers to silica aerogels, these materials are much more versatile. The enhanced properties of aerogels, such as increased surface area and catalytic activity, along with their effectiveness as thermal insulators, highlight their potential in various applications. Calidit is proud to be at the forefront of this innovation, driving progress towards a more sustainable future with our cutting-edge aerogel platforms, including Pyrogel and Cryogel.
