Aerogel is a synthetic porous ultralight 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 and thermal conductivity. It is nicknamed frozen smoke, solid smoke, solid air or blue smoke owing to its translucent nature; however, it feels like expanded polystyrene (styrofoam) to the touch.
Peter Tsou with a sample of aerogel at Jet Propulsion Laboratory, California Institute of Technology.
A 2.5 kg brick is supported on top of a
piece of aerogel weighing only 2 grams.
Though with a ghostly appearance like an hologram, aerogel is very solid. It feels like hard styrofoam to the touch.
Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory scientist Alex Gash shows us some remarkable properties of this truly unique substance. Check out this interesting Video:
It is the lightest solid material on the planet. Aerogel insulates space suits, makes tennis rackets stronger and could be used one day to clean up oil spills.
Peter Tsou with a sample of aerogel at Jet Propulsion Laboratory, California Institute of Technology.
A flower is sitting on a piece of aerogel
which is suspended over a bunsen burner.
Aerogel has excellent insulating properties,
and the flower is protected from the flame.
This photo illustrates the excellent insulating
properties of aerogel. The crayons on top
of the aerogel are protected from the flame
underneath, and are not melting.
Though with a ghostly appearance like an hologram, aerogel is very solid. It feels like hard styrofoam to the touch.
Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory scientist Alex Gash shows us some remarkable properties of this truly unique substance. Check out this interesting Video:
It is the lightest solid material on the planet. Aerogel insulates space suits, makes tennis rackets stronger and could be used one day to clean up oil spills.
