NASA GLENN RESEARCH CENTER: Polyimide aerogels
Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Google+ Scientists at NASA Glenn Research Center in conjunction with the Ohio Aerospace Institute have developed what they say is a highly flexible and lightweight technology that could transform the market for insulation materials. The polyimide aerogels developed by NASA could out-compete commercially available aerogel-based thermal insulation because it is 500 times stronger, according to the nomination form. Because the NASA-developed aerogels can be formed into flexible thin films, they will be ideal for pipe insulation, automobile heat shields, insulation for temporary shelters and protective clothing. "Unsupported, flexible thin films that do not crush easily are unprecedented in the aerogel community," the nomination said. "These NASA-developed polyimide aerogels are significantly lighter and take up less space than fiberglass, wool or polyurethane foam building material insulation." At present, lab-scale batches are available for evaluation and testing, and NASA Glenn is planning to launch a thermal-based insulation and it is expected to be competitively priced. Unlike NASA's technology, typical aerogels must be modified or chemically altered to be used as form-fitting insulation. "No other aerogel possesses the compressive and tensile strength of the NASA innovation while still retaining its ability to be flexibly folded to contour to whatever shape is needed," the nomination said. Developers are negotiating with a materials company about manufacturing the aerogel, with a target market in pipeline insulation. In addition, another materials company is in discussions with NASA Glenn and is interested in manufacturing and marketing the technology for a variety of insulation uses, including high-end building products. According to the nomination, short to mid-term market potential could exceed $25 million in sales per year while long-term sales could bring in several hundred million dollars each year. The technology, for which there are two patents pending, also is expected to benefit NASA's own projects. For instance, it's expected the technology could be used as thermal protection for entry, descent and landing. It could also be used for space suit insulation.