"Aerogel is a synthetic porous material derived from a gel, in which the liquid component of the gel has been replaced with a gas. The result is a solid with extremely low density[1] and thermal conductivity. It is nicknamed frozen smoke,[2] solid smoke, solid air or blue smoke owing to its translucent nature and the way light scatters in the material; however, it feels like expanded polystyrene (styrofoam) to the touch.
Aerogel was first created by Samuel Stephens Kistler in 1931, as a result of a bet with Charles Learned over who could replace the liquid in "jellies" with gas without causing shrinkage.[3][4]
Aerogels are good thermal insulators because they almost nullify the three methods of heat transfer (convection, conduction, and radiation). They are good conductive insulators because they are composed almost entirely from a gas, and gases are very poor heat conductors. Silica aerogel is especially good because silica is also a poor conductor of heat (a metallic aerogel, on the other hand, would be less effective). They are good convective inhibitors because air cannot circulate through the lattice. Carbon aerogel is a good radiative insulator because carbon absorbs the infrared radiation that transfers heat at standard temperatures."
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aerogel
There are more than one manufacturer of Aerogel as there are no patents no longer in force from its 1931 development. Despite its cost, there is no better insulating material than aerogel. It has also been used in insulating spacecraft and arctic pipelines.
It has been around fro some time in insoles as well for use in extremely hot or cold environments, so it has had apparel applications already. I would presume that the only limiting factor for sleeping pads would be cost, but it has been done.
Originally Posted by stompyd
Reply With Quote
Bookmarks