Multi-field and multi-scale characterization of non-supercritical dried silica aerogel-based glass blankets: investigating thermal, mechanical, acoustic, and fire performance

Aerogel is a solid material with a porous structure created by replacing the liquid component of a gel with gas. It has low density, excellent thermal insulation, high surface area, and is hydrophobic. Aerogel blankets are reinforced, flexible, and ideal for thermal insulation, but drying them using a supercritical method is challenging for large-scale production. Researchers are developing more efficient methods to produce aerogel blankets, which could increase their adoption in various industries. This research aims to design a portable, lightweight, super-insulating aerogel blanket dried under ambient conditions for various applications. Bulk density, mechanical properties, acoustic properties, and thermal conductivity are used to assess the impact of silica concentration on aerogel-enhanced blankets. The adhesion between the aerogel and the blanket’s fiber is influenced by the concentration of silica in the aerogel material, as revealed by scanning electron microscopy. Prepared aerogel blankets have excellent thermal conductivity (0.021 W m−1 K−1) and hydrophobic behavior. Prepared blankets qualify for the fire-proof requirement as per norm ISO2685 at 64 kW/m2 flux for 15 minutes. Aerogel blankets produced under ambient drying approach have properties comparable to those produced through the supercritical drying process. This represents a significant advancement in the commercialization of aerogel blankets.