Mixed Oxide Aerogels with High‐Performance Insulating Properties for High‐Temperature Space Application

Abstract

In this work, we present a direct comparison of the thermal conductivity and stability of different silica‐fiber‐reinforced aerogels. The thermal performance under high temperature exposure within an arc‐heated facility is evaluated by means of thermal propagation and stability. All aerogel materials, tested within this study, outperform the high temperature fiber‐based insulation mat in terms of thermal protection. Modification of the aerogels in the composition and opacification lead to an improvement of thermal insulation properties as well as that of thermal stability against the high temperature. All materials were prepared in the form of cylindrical discs of 100 mm diameter having a thickness of 20 mm. Based on classic silica aerogel, an opacified silica aerogel and an aerogel in mullite composition, inorganic fiber‐reinforce composites have been prepared, tested and its performance discussed comparatively. The specimen with mullite composition are intended to form mullite in‐situ during application to avoid energy costly pre‐treatment.This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.