USE OF REPEATED FREEZE/THAW CYCLES TO PRODUCE AEROGELS WITH IMPROVED COMPRESSIVE STRENGTH

摘要

A method of forming a porous material having improved compressive strengthincludes forming an aerogel precursor, the aerogel precursor including amatrixmaterial and a liquid dispersion medium for dispersing the matrix material. Atleasttwo freeze/thaw cycles are performed on the aerogel precursor, eachfreeze/thawcycle including freezing the aerogel precursor so that the dispersion issolidified andthawing the aerogel precursor to liquefy the frozen dispersion medium. Theaerogelprecursor is frozen so that the dispersion is solidified, and freeze dried tosublime thedispersion medium and form the porous material.