Nanostructured Aerogel Systems for Cold Volume Enclosures

The project will investigate and develop a seamless vacuum insulated box (VIB) technology based on Aspen?s unique polymeric/silica aerogel alloy blanket technology. This new blanket material is ideally suited for VIP and VIB use with low density, high compression modulus, low thermal conductivity, and flexibility sufficient to form tight corners without failure. Two sets of prototypes will be developed in the project. The first will focus on a passive, seamless insulated box. The second will focus on a patent-pending technology that will allow for active cooling without the need to perforate the inner wall of the VIB. The resulting product will fit well into Aspen?s existing aerogel blanket manufacturing process. Its unique qualities will increase the number of markets Aspen can address with its aerogel composite insulation materials.