Silica aerogel technology

Less bulk.
More possibility.

We develop silica aerogel–fibre composite concepts for lightweight, low-loft, super-hydrophobic insulation across demanding thermal applications.

Thermal conductivity · Research target≈20 mW/mK

Proposed composite material target; measurement conditions and test results must be established.

Severe-cold application · Research aim−40 °C & below

Intended operating environment for cold-weather insulation research, subject to system validation.

Proposed processing approachAmbient-pressure drying

A development route aimed at cost-effective processing and industrial scalability.

Material architecture

A porous core.
A practical structure.

Silica aerogels offer a highly porous platform for thermal insulation research. In monolithic form, fragility can make handling and integration difficult.

Our proposed approach supports the aerogel within a low-loft ceramic or glass-fibre felt. The objective is to retain useful insulation characteristics while improving the integrity and adaptability of the composite.

Surface functionalisation and process engineering are central to the intended hydrophobic performance and ambient-pressure drying route.

Conceptual composite structure

Fibre-supported silica aerogel composite conceptA continuous supporting fibre network surrounds a distributed porous aerogel phase. The highlighted boundary represents surface engineering. Shapes and proportions are schematic.
  • Supporting fibre network
  • Distributed porous aerogel phase
  • Engineered surface interface

Schematic illustration of a fibre-supported porous composite. Shapes and proportions do not represent measured microstructure.

Design objectives

Performance begins
with the right priorities.

The advantages we are engineering towards, refined through material development, testing and application feedback.

Thin, low-loft design

Developing compact insulation systems to reduce bulk.

Lightweight structures

Aiming for useful thermal performance with less material mass.

Water-repellent surfaces

Engineering super-hydrophobic behaviour for moisture challenges.

Flexibility with integrity

Fibre-supported concepts designed for handling and integration.

Reduced dust shedding

A development priority for cleaner handling and material retention.

Scalable processing

An ambient-pressure drying route aimed at industrial feasibility.

Thermal efficiency

Targeting low thermal conductivity and lower insulation energy demand.

Cost-conscious development

Process engineering directed towards economical manufacture.

An industrially minded route

Designed for the journey
from lab to application.

Our research explores ambient-pressure drying as an alternative processing route, with cost, handling and future scale-up considered from the start.

  1. 01 /

    Formulate

    Develop silica aerogel chemistry and the intended material structure.

  2. 02 /

    Integrate

    Engineer fibre-supported composites and surface functionality.

  3. 03 /

    Process

    Refine an ambient-pressure drying approach for composite preparation.

  4. 04 /

    Validate

    Characterise thermal, mechanical, moisture and application behaviour.

Application-led prototyping

Thermal Materials Innovation
Advanced insulation

Prototype development explores tailored structures and functionalities for severe-cold insulation, industrial thermal management and other application-specific requirements.

See application opportunities
Supplied concept panel of low-loft fibrous aerogel insulation and its illustrative pore network

Define a material challenge

Your application.
Our shared research direction.

Discuss aerogel development