Synthetically producing amorphous silica gel and then infusing it into a fabric creates what many buyers know as aerogel insulation according to one distributor&#;s website. Amorphous silica appears on state hazardous substance lists for California and New Jersey. According to the website TeachEngineering,org, Samuel Stephens Kistler invented aerogel in . Not unlike Kistler&#;s approach to inventing aerogel, some manufacturers today create aerogels by putting together a polymer and solvent, which forms a gel; they then remove the liquid and replace it with air. In some cases, manufacturers use silica, or silicon dioxide, with a solvent to make the gel, extract the fluid and insert carbon dioxide. Some aerogel manufacturers include titanium dioxide TiO2 as an ingredient, which the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) classifies as a Group 2B carcinogen, possibly carcinogenic if inhaled. A article from the Archives of Toxicology, titled &#;Health hazards due to the inhalation of amorphous silica,&#; notes &#;Inflammatory responses and emphysema have been described in a number of animal studies, especially in rats and monkeys.&#;
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Some manufacturers of aerogels advocate for their use because they prevent heat transfer and are lightweight. For example, according to ExtremeTech, graphene aerogel is remarkably light, weighing about 160 grams per cubic meter.
According to InspectAPedia.com, the R-Value of aerogel is 10.3 per inch versus rigid fiberglass, which has an R-Value of 4 per inch. The R-Value, or resistance value, of insulation measures to what degree insulation resists the flow of heat through an insulation material. As the R-Value climbs from 0 it signifies that the insulation material is doing a better job of preventing heat transfer, and consequently it&#;s a more effective barrier.
AEROGEL AS INSULATION
Some aerogel insulation makers also note the material has a low K-Factor, otherwise known as thermal conductivity. K-Factor is the rate at which heat flows through insulation material. Thermal conductivity as defined by ASTM Standard C168 is &#;the time rate of steady state heat flow through a unit area of a homogeneous material induced by a unit temperature gradient in a direction perpendicular to that unit area.&#; To simplify that, K-Factor is measuring the Btus of heat flowing through an inch-thick insulation material each hour across an area one foot by one foot for every degree of Fahrenheit change. Fiberglass has a K-Factor ranging from .22 to .30. By comparison, aerogels can have a K-Factor as low as .01.
Along with aerogel&#;s publicized benefits, there was a report in March by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services in response to concerns from an insulators&#; union about exposure to aerogel from handling the material. According to the insulators, they received aerogel insulation on rolls and then moved it to cutting rooms where students practiced measuring, cutting, and wrapping it. The department&#;s investigators visited the employer&#;s location in Illinois to analyze airborne exposure and air samples at a training facility where workers were being taught to work with aerogel insulation. What the HHS says it found was &#;Airborne exposures for amorphous silica approached calculated occupational exposure limits. Most aerogel particles were respirable in size. Many interviewed participants attributed respiratory irritation and very dry skin to handling aerogel insulation. We recommended continued use of personal protective equipment per manufacturer&#;s safety data sheets to minimize reported health effects.&#; That said, due to the limited scope of this analysis (i.e., one sample from one instructor providing aerogel instruction), the HHS report states its &#;results may not be generalizable to other workplace settings.&#; However, the report also states that employers should &#;educate staff and students about potential upper respiratory tract irritation and drying effects from prolonged exposure to aerogel insulation.&#;
[1] Right to Know Hazardous Substance List, New Jersey Department of Health and Senior Services, CAS -00-8
While aerogel insulation offers many advantages, it also has some disadvantages and considerations that should be taken into account when considering its use. Here are some potential disadvantages of aerogel insulation:
1. Cost: Aerogel insulation can be more expensive upfront compared to traditional insulation materials like fiberglass or foam. The higher cost can be a barrier to adoption, particularly for larger projects or budget-conscious individuals.
2. Installation Complexity: Proper installation of aerogel insulation requires careful attention to detail. In some cases, specialized training or equipment may be needed to ensure the insulation is installed correctly for optimal performance.
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3. Fragility: Aerogel materials can be fragile and susceptible to damage during handling and installation, especially in the form of thin blankets or panels. Extra care is needed to prevent breakage or degradation of the material.
4. Fire Resistance: While some aerogel formulations are fire-resistant, others may not have the same level of fire protection as traditional insulation materials. It's important to verify the fire resistance characteristics of the specific aerogel product being used and ensure it meets local building codes.
5. Moisture Sensitivity: While aerogel itself is hydrophobic, some aerogel insulation products may have components that are sensitive to moisture. Proper sealing and protection against water intrusion are crucial to maintaining the insulation's performance over time.
6. Limited Availability: Depending on your location, finding aerogel insulation products may be challenging. Availability may be limited, and shipping costs could be a consideration if the products need to be sourced from distant locations.
7. Complexity for DIY Projects: Due to the specialized nature of aerogel insulation and its installation requirements, it may not be as suitable for do-it-yourself (DIY) projects compared to more traditional insulation materials.
8. Material Settling: Over time, some aerogel materials may experience settling, which can lead to a decrease in insulation effectiveness. This can be mitigated through proper installation and periodic maintenance.
9. Compatibility: Aerogel insulation may not be compatible with certain construction materials or applications. Compatibility issues could arise with certain adhesives, finishes, or substrates.
It's important to note that ongoing research and development are addressing some of these disadvantages. As the technology and manufacturing processes continue to advance, some of the limitations associated with aerogel insulation may be mitigated or overcome.
Before using aerogel insulation, carefully evaluate your specific needs, project requirements, and budget. Consulting with professionals and considering the long-term benefits of improved energy efficiency and comfort can help you make an informed decision about whether aerogel insulation is the right choice for your application.
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