Twenty years of aerogel research at an undergraduate institution

Carroll, Mary K.; Anderson, Ann M.

doi:10.1007/s10971-022-06034-1

Cited by 1 publication

(2 citation statements)

References 47 publications

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“…Figure 1 shows the total particle number concentration, expressed in particles per cm 3 , obtained during simulation of three relevant occupational release scenarios: from the top, cutting using a circular saw, sanding, and manual cutting using an insulation knife. The latter showed the lowest number of particles released overall, being two orders of magnitude below the other two mechanical processes.…”

Section: Total Particle Number Concentrationmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…[1,2] Based on the desired end product, the aerogel market is mainly segmented into polymers, silica, carbon, fiber composites, and other alloys. [3] Among these, silica held the largest share in the aerogel industry in the year 2020. [4] Despite a rapid increase in the global market only occurring in recent years, aerogel blankets already have a long history.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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A Screening Approach to the Safe‐and‐Sustainable‐by‐Design Development of Advanced Insulation Materials

Di Battista,

Ribalta,

Vilsmeier

et al. 2024

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Herein, a Safe‐and‐Sustainable‐by‐Design (SSbD) screening strategy on four different inorganic aerogel mats and two conventional mineral wools for ranking purposes is demonstrated. Given that they do not consist of particles, the release is first simulated, addressing three occupational exposure scenarios, realistic for their intended use as building insulators. No exposure to consumers nor to the environment is foreseen in the use phase, however, aerosols may be released during mat installation, posing an inhalation risk for workers. All four aerogel mats release more respirable dust than the benchmark materials and 60% thereof deposits in the alveolar region according to modelling tools. The collected aerogel dust allows for subsequent screening of hazard implications via two abiotic assays: 1) surface reactivity in human blood serum; 2) biodissolution kinetics in lung simulant fluids. Both aerogels and conventional insulators show similar surface reactivity. Differences in biodissolution are influenced by the specifically designed organic and inorganic structural modifications. Aerogel mats are better‐performing insulators (2‐fold lower thermal conductivity than the benchmark) However, this work demonstrates how investment decisions can be balanced with safety and sustainability aspects. Concepts of analogy and similarity thus support easily accessible methods to companies for safe and economically viable innovation with advanced materials.

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Section: Total Particle Number Concentrationmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%