Aerogels are made by freezing water droplets into glassy solids that are extremely lightweight and porous. They're used in everything from insulation to medicine.

They are also incredibly durable, making them perfect for use in everything from insulation to electronics to aerospace applications.

Aerogels are so light because they contain no air pockets. This means that they are very dense, with densities as high as 2,000 kg/m3 (2.2 pounds per cubic foot).

What Are Aerogels Made Of?

Silica gel is a naturally occurring mineral that forms when water evaporates from underground reservoirs. It's also called fumed silica, silica hydrogel, and silicon dioxide.

Why Do We Need Them?

Aerogels are so light because they contain no air pockets. This means they are very strong and durable. They can withstand extreme temperatures and pressures. They are also highly insulating, making them ideal for use as thermal insulation.

How Can I Find Out More About Aerogels?

You can find out more about aerogels by visiting the website of the American Chemical Society (ACS). There you will find information about how aerogels are formed, what properties make them unique, and how they can be used.

They have been around since the 1950's, but only recently has their potential as a building block for new technologies become apparent.

Aerogels are a class of porous solids with very low densities. They consist of tiny air pockets trapped within a rigid framework of silicon dioxide molecules. These tiny voids give aerogels their high porosity and low density.