Highly stable aerogel could protect firefighters and spacecraft from extreme heat
By 
Tim Wogan2022-07-01T08:30:00
Amorphous structure studded with nanocrystals survives stress and strain that would break an ordinary aerogel
A new ceramic aerogel comprising nanocrystals embedded in an amorphous matrix shows far better thermal insulation than similar materials, as well as better mechanical and thermal stability under extreme conditions. These properties could allow the aerogel to find uses such as heat-resistant clothing for firefighters where other aerogels have struggled to fill this niche.