What is the weight-bearing capacity of lightweight aerogel material?

  • Thread starter abhimohpra
  • Start date
  • Tags
    Material
In summary, the conversation is about the potential of using aerogel, a lightweight material, for various applications such as pulleys or elevators. While it is expensive, there are alternative materials such as styrofoam and EPP foam that have similar properties. However, aerogel is unique in its ability to bear weight in compression mode, although it is fragile under tension. There is also a lighter version of aerogel that has better strength characteristics. Overall, there is potential for using aerogel in various industries and there is further information available for those interested.
  • #1
abhimohpra
19
0
Hi Experts!
Does anybody know about Light weight Aerogel material?
how much it can bare a weight?
Thanks in advance.
 
Science news on Phys.org
  • #3
Hi,
Thanks a lot again.
Can i buy such material? Any seller?
 
  • #4
Its most expensive material i could see.
Any other alternative?
 
  • #5
Sure, styrofoam. But then, you haven't told us what you want to do with it, so I'm not sure how helpful that is...
 
  • #6
You still haven't told us what you wanted the foam for, but EPP foam is similar to styrofoam, except it's more elastic and won't deform the way styrofoam does. Some radio control gliders are made of EPP foam, either as trainers (bouncable) or for combat (deliberate collisions).
 
  • #7
@russ_watters
@Jeff Reid :
The application is like pully or elevator without any rope support. Operated by machine independently. And it should bare minimum 300 K.G.

Simply a sheet carrying bulk weight without any support.

It is useful?
 
  • #8
Is it a light weight material which can bare heavy material?
 
  • #9
Aerogel can bear considerable weight in compression mode, but is very fragile under tension such as weighting it with a load that is not directly over the supporting structure.

There is an aerogel half the weight of balsa that has better strength characteristics. See "Nothing to It" by Phillip Ball, Nature, Science Update, Web Page, (Pages, pg. 23)

For a reasonably thorough discussion of aerogels see this by a grade school student: http://adzoe.8m.com/sf2002full.html
 

Related to What is the weight-bearing capacity of lightweight aerogel material?

What is lightweight aerogel material?

Lightweight aerogel material is a type of substance that is specifically designed to be extremely lightweight while still maintaining strength and durability. It is created through a process called gelation, where a liquid is turned into a solid with gas trapped inside, resulting in a highly porous and low-density material.

What are the applications of lightweight aerogel material?

Lightweight aerogel material has a wide range of applications, including as insulation in buildings, protective coatings for electronics, and even as a component in aerospace materials. Its lightweight nature and excellent insulating properties make it ideal for use in industries where weight and thermal insulation are crucial.

How is lightweight aerogel material made?

Lightweight aerogel material is made through a process called supercritical drying. This involves heating the gel to a specific temperature and pressure, which allows the liquid to be removed without collapsing the solid structure. This results in a highly porous and lightweight material with a low thermal conductivity.

What are the benefits of using lightweight aerogel material?

There are several benefits to using lightweight aerogel material. Firstly, it is extremely lightweight, making it ideal for applications where weight is a crucial factor. It also has excellent thermal insulation properties, making it useful for insulating buildings and other structures. Additionally, it is highly durable and can withstand extreme temperatures, making it suitable for use in a wide range of environments.

Is lightweight aerogel material safe to use?

Yes, lightweight aerogel material is safe to use. It is non-toxic and does not release any harmful chemicals into the environment. It is also non-flammable and can withstand high temperatures, making it a safe and reliable material for various applications.

Similar threads

Replies
2
Views
105
  • Thermodynamics
Replies
5
Views
1K
  • Science Fiction and Fantasy Media
Replies
12
Views
926
Replies
10
Views
4K
  • Materials and Chemical Engineering
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
5
Views
920
Replies
2
Views
1K
Replies
12
Views
1K
Replies
8
Views
3K
Back
Top