Silica Aerogel Composites: Novel Fabrication Methods [Paperback]

This book explores the improvement in thermal insulation properties of protein-based silica aerogel composites fabricated by a novel, inexpensive and feasiblemethod. The resulting material exhibits polymeric foam behavior including high compressibility, super-hydrophobic qualities and excellent strain recovery in addition to low thermal conductivity. The fabrication methodologies are explained in great detail and represented in flowcharts for easy reference and understanding. This monograph gives readers a new perspective on composite fabrication using methods other than the traditional ones and explores the endless ways of altering the composition to modify the properties of the silica aerogel composites. Applications for this novel composite are diverse and range from those in the pharmaceutical and aerospace industries to the oil and gas industries.

Aerogels Today and Market Outlook.- Fabrication of Novel Silica Aerogel Composites.- Brittle to Ductile Transition in Aerogel Composites.- Mechanical Properties of Aerogel Composites.- Thermal Performance of Aerogel Composites.- Magnetic Properties of Aerogel Composites.- Conclusions and Futuristic Applications.- Appendix for MATLAB Codes.
Dr. Sunil C. Joshi received his Ph.D. degree from Monash University (Australia) for his work on composites manufacturing processes. Prior to that he worked as Scientist at National Aerospace laboratories, Bangalore, India, where he was part of the composite structures group from 1988 to 1994 after completing his M. Tech in Aeronautical Engineering with aircraft structures specialization.
He has been a faculty in the School of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, at Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, since 2000, currently serving under Aerospace Engineering cluster with Materials and Structures as the focus area.
His research interests encompass aerogel composites, nano-engineered composites, microwave curing, manufacturing of tlc)