Transparent assemblies with ormosil aerogels
The invention provides reinforced aerogel monoliths as well as fiber reinforced composites thereof for a variety of uses. Compositions and methods of preparing the monoliths and composites are also provided. Application of these materials in transparent assemblies is also discussed.
1 . An optically transparent and thermally insulating assembly comprising:
at least two planer support members capable of transmitting light, positioned facing each other and spaced thereby defining a gap there between; and
at least one continuous layer of a hydrophobic ormosil aerogel positioned within said gap and secured between said support members, said ormosil aerogel having optical transmittance of at least about 90% in the visible spectrum.
2 . The assembly of claim 1 wherein said polymer comprises polydimethylsiloxane, polyoxyalkylene, polyurethane, polybutadiene, polyoxypropylene, polyoxypropylene-copolyoxyethylene, polymethacrylate, pqlymethylmetacrylate or a member of the polyether family.
3 . The assembly of claim 2 wherein the aerogel material comprises between about 1 and about 50 percent polymer by weight.
4 . The assembly of claim 1 wherein the aerogel material does not rupture below about 16.2% flexural strain.
5 . The assembly of claim 3 wherein the aerogel material comprises average pore sizes greater than about 18 nanometers at 10 percent by weight polymer content.
6 . The assembly of claim 3 wherein the aerogel material comprises average pore sizes greater than about 10 nanometers at 3 percent by weight polymer content.
7 . The assembly of claim 1 wherein the support members comprise a glass material containing less than about 10% iron.
8 . The assembly of claim 1 wherein the support members comprises a polymer selected from a group consisting essentially of polycarbonates, acrylics, polyethylenes, cellulose acetate butyrates, glycol modified polyethylene terephthalates, polyvinyl chlorides or a combination thereof.
9 . An optically transparent and thermally insulating assembly comprising:
at least two planer support members capable of transmitting light, positioned facing each other and spaced thereby defining a gap there between; and
at least one continuous layer of a fiber-reinforced hydrophobic ormosil aerogel positioned within said gap and secured between said support members.
10 . The assembly of claim 9 wherein the aerogel material is reinforced with a mat, felt, batting, lofty batting, chopped fiber, or a combination thereof.
11 . The assembly of claim 9 wherein said assembly has an optical transmission of at least about 30% in the visible spectrum.
12 . A heated and insulated containment system an internal volume defined by at least three walls wherein at least one of said at least three walls comprises:
at least two planer support members capable of transmitting light, positioned facing each other and spaced thereby defining a gap there between; and
at least one continuous layer of a hydrophobic ormosil aerogel positioned within said gap and secured between said support members, said ormosil aerogel has optical transmittance of at least about 90% in the visible spectrum thereby allowing solar radiation to substantially enter said internal volume.