Silica Aeogels - Thermal Properties

Silica Aeogels - Thermal Properties: "After preparing the first silica aerogels, Kistler proceeded to characterize them as thoroughly as possible. One of the extraordinary properties that he discovered was their very low thermal conductivity. Kistler also found that the thermal conductivity decreased even further under vacuum. However, in the 1930's thermal insulation was a low priority and applications of aerogels in insulation systems was not pursued. The renaissance of aerogel technology around 1980 coincided with an increased concern for energy efficiency and the environmental effects of chlorofluorocarbons (CFC's). It was then readily apparent that silica aerogels were an attractive alternative to traditional insulation due to their high insulating value and environment-friendly production methods. Unfortunately, the production costs of the material were prohibitive to cost-sensitive industries such as housing. A significant research effort was undertaken, and is continuing, at several institutions worldwide (including Berkeley Lab) to circumvent this problem by increasing the insulative performance and lowering the production costs of silica aerogels."