POLYURETHANE-BASED ORGANIC AEROGELS THERMAL PERFORMANCE

A novel type of chemistry based on the use of polyisocyanates which ca n be turned into heavily cross-linked polyurethanes (PUR), polyureas, polyurethone imines or polyisocyanurates (PIR) to make organic aerogel s is now being developed. Feasibility study of the polyisocyanate-base d 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 proce ss conditions led to a new thermal insulation material with good insul ation characteristics both under evacuated and ambient conditions. (C) 1998 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.