Lightweight SiC Aerogels: A New Way to Insulate in Harsh Conditions

Have you ever wondered how to keep things cool in super-hot places? Scientists have found a new way using tiny silicon carbide fibers. They started with light, foam-like carbon tubes and turned them into even lighter aerogels. These aerogels can handle extreme temperatures, keep heat out, and bounce back from being squished. They're like superheroes of insulation! First, let's talk about how these aerogels are made. Scientists used melamine foams as a mold to create hollow, thin carbon tube foams. These are really light, weighing only about 4. 8 milligrams per cubic centimeter. Then, they used a process called chemical vapor deposition to turn these tubes into silicon carbide nanofibrous aerogels.These aerogels are amazing at their job. They're super light, with a density of just 4. 2 milligrams per cubic centimeter. They also conduct heat very slowly, at only 21. 3 milliwatts per meter per Kelvin at room temperature. But they're not just light and good at keeping heat out. They're also strong and flexible. They can support over 2100 times their own weight without breaking or changing shape. Now, let's talk about how tough these aerogels are. They can handle really high temperatures. In air, they can withstand up to 1100 degrees Celsius. In an environment without oxygen, they can handle even higher temperatures, up to 1550 degrees Celsius. This makes them perfect for insulating things in harsh environments, like spacecraft or industrial equipment.