Mixed Oxide Aerogels with High-Performance Insulating Properties for High-Temperature Space Application

Herein, a direct comparison of the thermal conductivity and stability of different silica-fiber-reinforced silica aerogels is presented. The thermal performance under high-temperature exposure within an arc-heated facility is evaluated by means of thermal propagation and stability. All aerogel materials, tested within this study, outperform the high-temperature fiber-based insulation mat in terms of thermal protection. Modification of the aerogels in the composition and opacification leads to an improvement of thermal insulation properties as well as of thermal stability against the high temperature. All materials are prepared in the form of cylindrical disks of 100 mm diameter having a thickness of 20 mm. Based on classic silica aerogel, an opacified silica aerogel and an aerogel in mullite composition, inorganic fiber-reinforce composites have been prepared and tested, and their performance is discussed comparatively. The specimens with mullite composition are intended to form mullite insitu during application to avoid energy-costly pretreatment.