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Organic Rubber Aerogel as Thermal Insulation and Radiation Shield

Award Information

Agency:
National Aeronautics and Space Administration 		Branch:
N/A 		Award ID:
63821 		Program Year/Program:
2003 / SBIR
Agency Tracking Number:
023835 		Solicitation Year:
N/A 		Solicitation Topic Code:
N/A 		Solicitation Number:
N/A
Small Business Information
ASPEN AEROGELS, INC.
30 Forbes Road Building B Northborough, MA -
View profile »
Woman-Owned: No
Minority-Owned: No
HUBZone-Owned: No
 
Phase 1
Fiscal Year: 2003
Title: Organic Rubber Aerogel as Thermal Insulation and Radiation Shield
Agency: NASA
Contract: NAS9-03028
Award Amount: $68,861.00
 

Abstract:

NASA is seeking innovative thermal insulation materials for extravehicular activity (EVA) systems that improve performance in low ambient pressure, reduce cost and weight, and increase durability and human comfort. Aspen Aerogels Inc. (AAI) proposes to demonstrate an organic rubber based aerogel insulation material that will provide superior thermal insulation, and inherent radiation protection for NASA?s EVA mission applications. AAI?s proposed solution will be based on organic polymer rubber materials such as Polyurethane (PU), Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer (EPDM), and Polybutadiene (PB) Rubbers, thus exhibiting the flexibility, resiliency, toughness and durability typical of the parent polymer, yet with the low density and superior insulation properties associated with the aerogels. The rubbery behavior of the proposed materials will overcome the weak and brittle nature of conventional inorganic and organic aerogel insulation materials. Additionally, because of the high content of hydrogen in their structure the proposed aerogels will also provide inherent radiation protection for EVA activities. They will also exhibit inherent hydrophobicity due to their hydrocarbon molecular structure. Overall, the rubber based organic aerogel will provide exceptional thermal insulation, radiation shielding, and flexibility for NASA?s crewmember protection and space hardware and vehicles including other commercial applications.

Principal Investigator:

Kyun Lee
Principal Investigator
5084815058
jekyun@aerogel.com

Business Contact:

Don Young
CEO
5084815058
dyoung@aerogel.com
Small Business Information at Submission:

Aspen Aerogels, Inc.
184 Cedar Hill St. Marlborough, MA 01752

EIN/Tax ID: 043559972
DUNS: N/A
Number of Employees:
Woman-Owned: No
Minority-Owned: No
HUBZone-Owned: No