E-Book Overview
Aerogels are the lightest solids known. Up to 1000 times lighter than glass and with a density as low as only four times that of air, they show very high thermal, electrical and acoustic insulation values and hold many entries in Guinness World Records. Originally based on silica, R&D efforts have extended this class of materials to non-silicate inorganic oxides, natural and synthetic organic polymers, carbon, metal and ceramic materials, etc. Composite systems involving polymer-crosslinked aerogels and interpenetrating hybrid networks have been developed and exhibit remarkable mechanical strength and flexibility. Even more exotic aerogels based on clays, chalcogenides, phosphides, quantum dots, and biopolymers such as chitosan are opening new applications for the construction, transportation, energy, defense and healthcare industries. Applications in electronics, chemistry, mechanics, engineering, energy production and storage, sensors, medicine, nanotechnology, military and aerospace, oil and gas recovery, thermal insulation and household uses are being developed with an estimated annual market growth rate of around 70% until 2015. The Aerogels Handbook summarizes state-of-the-art developments and processing of inorganic, organic, and composite aerogels, including the most important methods of synthesis, characterization as well as their typical applications and their possible market impact. Readers will find an exhaustive overview of all aerogel materials known today, their fabrication, upscaling aspects, physical and chemical properties, and most recent advances towards applications and commercial products, some of which are commercially available today. Key Features: •Edited and written by recognized worldwide leaders in the field •Appeals to a broad audience of materials scientists, chemists, and engineers in academic research and industrial R&D •Covers inorganic, organic, and composite aerogels •Describes military, aerospace, building industry, household, environmental, energy, and biomedical applications among others
E-Book Content
Advances in Sol-Gel Derived Materials and Technologies Series Editors Michel A. Aegerter Michel Prassas
For further volumes: http://www.springer.com/series/8776
The International Sol-Gel Society (ISGS)
The goals of the ISGS are to educate, federate, and disseminate. l
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Educate scientists and technologists from around the world, and from both academia and industry, through conferences such as the biannual International Sol-Gel Conference, topical workshops organised in conjunction with various conferences or at the demand of specific interest groups, and summer schools, which provides comprehensive teaching for both students and experienced researchers in a relaxed atmosphere. The ISGS also provides travel scholarship to students to attend these conferences. Federate scientists from all around the planet by organising events (conferences, schools, etc..) where they can meet and discuss everything sol-gel. The ISGS also acts as a point of contact for a wide range of people, from sculptors interested in shaping aerogels, to a Chinese industrial consortium interested in learning about hard coatings, or researchers from emerging economies who are looking for specific technical information. In collaboration with our partner, the Sol-Gel Gateway (www.solgel.com), we also aim to provide a virtual meeting place for everyone interested in sol-gel. The recent revamping of the ISGS website (www.isgs.org) provides us with a more interactive structure where members can participate in the life of the ISGS. Our quarterly newsletter also encourages people to contribute stories and opinions and help us build a stronger sense of community in sol-gel science. Disseminate information about sol-gel science, technology and products through the society web