Transparent assemblies with ormosil aerogels

Abstract

The invention provides reinforced aerogel monoliths as well as fiber reinforced composites thereof for a variety of uses. Compositions and methods of preparing the monoliths and composites are also provided. Application of these materials in transparent assemblies is also discussed.

1 . An optically transparent and thermally insulating assembly comprising: 
 at least two planer support members capable of transmitting light, positioned facing each other and spaced thereby defining a gap there between; and    at least one continuous layer of a hydrophobic ormosil aerogel positioned within said gap and secured between said support members, said ormosil aerogel having optical transmittance of at least about 90% in the visible spectrum.    
     
     
         2 . The assembly of  claim 1  wherein said polymer comprises polydimethylsiloxane, polyoxyalkylene, polyurethane, polybutadiene, polyoxypropylene, polyoxypropylene-copolyoxyethylene, polymethacrylate, pqlymethylmetacrylate or a member of the polyether family.  
     
     
         3 . The assembly of  claim 2  wherein the aerogel material comprises between about  1  and about 50 percent polymer by weight.  
     
     
         4 . The assembly of  claim 1  wherein the aerogel material does not rupture below about 16.2% flexural strain.  
     
     
         5 . The assembly of  claim 3  wherein the aerogel material comprises average pore sizes greater than about 18 nanometers at 10 percent by weight polymer content.  
     
     
         6 . The assembly of  claim 3  wherein the aerogel material comprises average pore sizes greater than about 10 nanometers at 3 percent by weight polymer content.  
     
     
         7 . The assembly of  claim 1  wherein the support members comprise a glass material containing less than about 10% iron.  
     
     
         8 . The assembly of  claim 1  wherein the support members comprises a polymer selected from a group consisting essentially of polycarbonates, acrylics, polyethylenes, cellulose acetate butyrates, glycol modified polyethylene terephthalates, polyvinyl chlorides or a combination thereof.  
     
     
         9 . An optically transparent and thermally insulating assembly comprising: 
 at least two planer support members capable of transmitting light, positioned facing each other and spaced thereby defining a gap there between; and    at least one continuous layer of a fiber-reinforced hydrophobic ormosil aerogel positioned within said gap and secured between said support members.    
     
     
         10 . The assembly of  claim 9  wherein the aerogel material is reinforced with a mat, felt, batting, lofty batting, chopped fiber, or a combination thereof.  
     
     
         11 . The assembly of  claim 9  wherein said assembly has an optical transmission of at least about 30% in the visible spectrum.  
     
     
         12 . A heated and insulated containment system an internal volume defined by at least three walls wherein at least one of said at least three walls comprises: 
 at least two planer support members capable of transmitting light, positioned facing each other and spaced thereby defining a gap there between; and    at least one continuous layer of a hydrophobic ormosil aerogel positioned within said gap and secured between said support members, said ormosil aerogel has optical transmittance of at least about 90% in the visible spectrum thereby allowing solar radiation to substantially enter said internal volume.