POLYIMIDE AEROGEL INSULATED PANEL ASSEMBLY
A panel assembly that includes a core having first and second opposing major surfaces, a first laminate skin secured to the first major surface of the core, a second laminate skin secured to the second major surface of the core, and at least a first layer of polyimide aerogel incorporated into one of the first laminate skin or the second laminate skin.
1 . A method of producing an insulated panel assembly, the method comprising the steps of:
obtaining a core having first and second opposing major surfaces,
obtaining a first ply of material,
obtaining a first layer of polyimide aerogel,
adhering the first layer of polyimide aerogel to the first ply of material to provide a first laminate skin,
obtaining a second ply of material,
obtaining a second layer of polyimide aerogel,
adhering the second layer of polyimide aerogel to the second ply of material to provide a second laminate skin,
positioning the first and second laminate skins adjacent to the first and second major surfaces of the core, respectively, to provide a panel assembly,
pressing the panel assembly, and
heating the panel assembly to provide the insulated panel assembly.
2 . The method of claim 1 wherein the first laminate skin includes first and second plies that sandwich the first layer of polyimide aerogel therebetween.
3 . The method of claim 2 wherein the second laminate skin includes first and second plies that sandwich the second layer of polyimide aerogel therebetween.
4 . The method of claim 1 wherein the core is a honeycomb core.
5 . The method of claim 4 further comprising the step of pouring a sol-gel mixture into the honeycomb core.
6 . The method of claim 4 further comprising the step of infusing the honeycomb core with a polyimide aerogel.
7 . The method of claim 6 wherein the step of infusing the honeycomb core with a polyimide aerogel is done by the steps of applying a polyimide aerogel producing mixture to one or more cells of the honeycomb core, and supercritically drying the mixture to produce a layer of polyimide aerogel on the one or more cells of the honeycomb core.
8 . The method of claim 7 wherein only selected cells of the plurality of honeycomb cells include a polyimide aerogel coated thereon or infused therein.