Aerogel/PTFE Composite Insulating Material

Abstract

A material comprising aerogel particles and a polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) binder is formed having a thermal conductivity of less than or equal to 25 mW/m K at atmospheric conditions. The material is moldable or formable, having little or no shedding of filler particles, and may be formed into structures such as tapes or composites, for example, by bonding the material between two outer layers. Advantageously, composites may be flexed, stretched, or bent without significant dusting or loss of insulating properties.

1 . A method comprising the steps of providing a portable electronic device having at least one heat generating component and an enclosure having a surface, and placing an insulating structure between the heat generating component and the enclosure, thereby preventing or delaying the transfer of heat generated from a heat generating component to at least a portion of the enclosure surface. 
   
   
       2 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the insulating structure comprises a material comprising aerogel particles and a polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) binder, the material having a thermal conductivity of less than or equal to 25 mW/m K at atmospheric conditions (about 298.15 K and 101.3 kPa). 
   
   
       3 . The method of  claim 1  wherein at least part of the enclosure surface is designed to be in direct contact with a user.