Synthesis and Manufacturing of Silica Aerogel at Supercritical Conditions Using Ordinary CO2 Gas Cylinde

Abstract

Silica aerogels are remarkable materials for their exceptional porosity, low density, and superb insulating properties. Their synthesis typically relies on supercritical drying using siphon CO2 gas cylinders, which offer precise control over the drying process. However, the limited availability, cost considerations, and environmental impacts of siphon CO2 cylinders have sparked interest in alternative sources, notably ordinary CO2 gas cylinders. The study's central aim is to scrutinize the influence of the CO2 source on critical properties of the aerogel, encompassing density, porosity, thermal conductivity, and structural integrity. The results show that silica aerogels made using regular CO2 gas cylinders and syphon CO2 cylinders have very different physical, thermal, and structural characteristics. Ordinary cylinders may allow for cost reductions and more accessibility, but they also make it difficult to preserve the required characteristics of silica aerogels and provide consistent results.. These differences emphasize the importance of careful consideration when selecting the CO2 source for specific applications. The thesis continues by exploring the effects of these results, offering recommendations for further research, and highlighting areas for optimization in the synthesis process. This research contributes to the evolving field of aerogel technology, providing valuable insights into selecting CO2 sources for silica aerogel synthesis and guiding future advancements in materials science and engineering