Polyurethane-based organic aerogels' thermal performance

A novel type of chemistry based on the use of polyisocyanates which can be turned into heavily cross-linked polyurethanes (PUR), polyureas, polyurethone imines or polyisocyanurates (PIR) to make organic aerogels is now being developed. Feasibility study of the polyisocyanate-based aerogels and various parameter effects on the thermal performance of these materials are described. This paper focuses on the low density aerogels with good thermal insulation characteristics. Optimised process conditions led to a new thermal insulation material with good insulation characteristics both under evacuated and ambient conditions. (C) 1998 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.