Category: Transient Plane Source
Author(s): Christos G. Aneziris, Friederike Klenert, Jens Fruhstorfer
Keywords: Aerogels, hydrothermal treatment, Silica, silica gels, Thermal Conductivity, thermal insulation, TIM, transparent heat insulation materials, transparent heat insulation materials (TIM), Xerogels
Abstract: In this article the effectiveness of silica aerogels as a transparent heat insulation material (TIM) is studied. They are a good candidate for this application as the amount of energy that they absorb and emit is adjustable. The effects of different treatments (hydrothermal and firing) on the thermal properties of the silica gels was studied, in addition to research on the most favorable conditions for use of this material as a TIM. Researchers wanted to optimize the thermal properties and transmittance values, as previous works had focused solely on one or the other. Thermal conductivity was measured using the TPS method. Results showed that hydrothermal treatment at 150°C with a 5 hour dwell time gave the lowest thermal conductivity, and this same treatment also provided the best combination with transmittance. The firing treatment was found to have no effect on the insulation properties.
Reference: Journal of Sol-Gel Science and Technology (September 2015) pp 1-10
DOI: 10.1007/s10971-015-3856-4