Aerogels
Aerogels are a class of highly porous materials with low thermal conductivity, high surface area, and low density. They are created by removing the liquid component of a gel through supercritical drying, leaving behind a solid matrix with pores that are nanometers in size. Aerogels have unique properties that make them useful in space and astronautical engineering applications. They are excellent thermal insulators, able to withstand extreme temperatures and protect spacecraft from heat during re-entry. They are also used as lightweight structural materials, as their high surface area and porosity make them strong and stiff. Additionally, aerogels have been used as filters for air and water purification systems in spacecraft and as catalysts for chemical reactions in space.
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