Scientists at the chemicals giant BASF AG (Germany) are cooperating with the Otto-Schott-Institute at the University of Jena , the development of a highly transparent heat insulation material made of aerogel granules in which minute pellets of silicon dioxide are inserted between panes of glass. By applying these building elements, which can be deployed in front of house walls or as window panes, heat conductivity can be effectively reduced. Currently a research team led by Prof Jochen Fricke at the Physical Sciences Institute at the University of Wurzburg is investigating how to optimize insulation efficiency for various areas of application. They have been able to demonstrate that the most efficient insulation is obtained using aerogel panels made of granules mixed with soot, which are then bonded firmly together. Previously, such results were only achieved using, solid materials at 20°C.
Article extracted from this publication >> December 2, 1994
