notoriousformula
02-10-2006, 10:32 PM
Aerogel is a solid-state substance similar to gel where the liquid component is replaced with gas. The result is an extremely low density solid with several remarkable properties, most notably its effectiveness as an insulator. It is nicknamed frozen smoke, solid smoke or blue smoke due to its semi-transparent nature; however it feels like foam to the touch.
NASA used aerogel to trap space dust particles aboard the Stardust spacecraft. The particles vaporize on impact with solids and pass through gases, but can be trapped in aerogels. NASA also used aerogel for thermal insulation of the Mars Rover and space suits.
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/b/b4/Aerogel_matches.jpg/441px-Aerogel_matches.jpg
http://www.unitednuclear.com/aerogel.htm
NASA used aerogel to trap space dust particles aboard the Stardust spacecraft. The particles vaporize on impact with solids and pass through gases, but can be trapped in aerogels. NASA also used aerogel for thermal insulation of the Mars Rover and space suits.
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/b/b4/Aerogel_matches.jpg/441px-Aerogel_matches.jpg
http://www.unitednuclear.com/aerogel.htm