Heatabsorbing material from NASA

  • Context: NASA 
  • Thread starter Thread starter acarendi
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    Material Nasa
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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the inquiry about heat-absorbing materials used by NASA, specifically in the context of creating a product that requires effective thermal insulation. The scope includes material properties, potential applications, and sourcing options for insulating materials suitable for shipping wine bottles.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested
  • Homework-related

Main Points Raised

  • Alex expresses interest in obtaining NASA's heat-absorbing material for a product, specifically for insulating wine bottles during shipment.
  • One participant clarifies that the heat shield used by NASA is an insulator, not an absorber, aimed at preventing heat transfer.
  • Another participant suggests researching aerogel as a potential insulating material, noting its insulatory performance.
  • Alex acknowledges the need for an insulator and seeks guidance on where to find suitable materials, mentioning a friend's claim of obtaining a sample from NASA.
  • A participant recommends looking into high-temperature ceramic-based insulators, specifically mentioning Zircar refractory composites as an option.
  • Alex requests further links and ideas for sourcing insulating materials, inquiring about cost and quality comparisons.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree that the material in question is an insulator rather than a heat absorber. However, there are multiple suggestions regarding suitable materials and sourcing options, and the discussion remains unresolved regarding the best approach for Alex's specific needs.

Contextual Notes

There are limitations in the discussion regarding the specific properties of different insulating materials, the availability of NASA's materials, and the criteria for selecting appropriate products for Alex's application.

Who May Find This Useful

This discussion may be useful for individuals interested in thermal insulation materials, particularly in applications related to shipping sensitive items like wine, as well as those exploring aerospace materials and their commercial availability.

acarendi
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Hello Everyone,

I am new to this forum and am actually just curious to hear if you can help me with something?
The reason I joined this forum is because I am interested in finding out about being able to get some of that material, which NASA uses for its space shuttles...the heat-absorbing material...because...I am thinking of creating a product that needs this stuff...
Perhaps you can assist me in asking the right people on this forum or how else to go about finding out whether it is possible to acquire some of this material or not? I heard a while back from a friend of mine that it is actually possible, but I don't know for sure.

Thanks a lot in advance for your help,

Alex
 
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I'm not sure what material you are talking about, but you may be under a misconception about the heat shield. The heat shield isn't an absorber, it is an insulator: an extremely poor conductor of heat. The purpose is to prevent heat from being absorbed and transferred to the spacecraft .
 
Try googling aerogel; not sure if they still use it but they certainly looked at it a lot. There are some pretty good photos demonstrating its insulatory performance.
 
Hello guys,

Yes..yes...yes...of course its an insulator...thats what I meant. I need to find some material that is able to keep heat (and for that matter moisture) out...To be honest with you...I was thinking about using it for some REALLY old bottles of wine for a family member in another part of the world. I know there are other ways of shipping bottles of wine, etc., but I cannot risk these bottles changing temperature at all during their shipment/flight...because as you know...temperature has a LOT to do with how a wine is...and taste...etc.

As you can tell...am not the biggest techie in this realm...so I appreciate your patience.

So...if its an insulator I am looking for...for what I have in mind...(bottles of wine...then where do I start looking? Because...as I posted in my first thread...a friend of mine told me that he was able to get a sample roll from NASA itself...hmmmm
But..if I am to contact NASA and other companies...I want to know what I am talking about...so..any ideas for me?

Thanks a lot,
Alex
 
There are plenty of high temperature, ceramic based insulators out there that should do what you need and would not need you to talk to someone at NASA.

For example, Google search on Zircar refractory composites.
 
Timmay and FredGarvin,

Thanks for your posts...you got any other links/ideas for me in terms of where to get a hold of insulating material that I can use for wine bottles? Any parts of the world where it may be cheaper than other areas?
Is there any material that is better than another...and why?

Since I am not a techie in this matter...perhaps you can help me in terms of what to look for when contacting different firms...i.e...what to ask them...etc.?

And: you got any ideas in terms of price...and how much you get for what price?


Thanks,
Alex
 

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