Clay aerogels and other ice templated materials belong to a family of materials with properties similar to those of conventionally foamed polymers including low density, high porosity and low thermal conductivity. The ice templating process represents an environmentally friendly method for producing light weight alternatives to typical polymer foams. The properties of these materials can be controlled using many variables such as component shape, size, and chemistry. Sub-micron scale fillers are able to be incorporated into the lamellar structure while larger particles are deposited on the surfaces. The molecular weight and chemistry of the reinforcing polymer also plays a significant role in the structure and properties seen in these materials. Controlling the directionality of ice crystallization, as well as nucleation, provides an additional level of manipulation with which the properties can be tailored. In addition to providing stand alone structural materials, ice templated materials can provide a foundation for developing novel clay/polymer nanocomposite materials. The nanocomposites created via ice templating exhibit properties comparable to those seen in organically modified clay/polymer composites without the need for organic modification of the clay.
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