Main Activities
1 Technical specifications
Silica aerogel nanocomposites literature/knowledge up-date, and survey on the requirements for the Space application foreseen in this project.
2 Synthesis of aramid-silica aerogels
Innovative aramid-reinforced silica aerogels will be synthesized to comply with the extreme temperature/vibration conditions of Space environments.
3 Addition of alumina phases in the nanocomposites
A refractory phase with more thermal stability than porous silica will be introduced in the nanocomposites.Later, synthetic precursors will be replaced by environmental-friendly clay minerals extracted in the Central region of Portugal.
4 Aerogels characterization
The produced aerogel nanocomposites will be extensively characterized at chemical, physical and thermal levels.
5 Compliance with application/production conditions
Synthesis and drying of larger gel samples (200 x 200 mm) and assessment of performance of the nanocomposites in applications conditions.
6 Management and dissemination
Management and dissemination activities will be developed. Dissemination activities will be publisized in the events/publications links.
