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.