| dc.description.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 | en_US |
