Abstract: The invention relates to a xerogel comprising from 30 to 90% by weight of a monomer component (a1) composed of at least one polyfunctional isocyanate and from 10 to 70% by weight of a monomer component (a2) composed of at least one polyfunctional aromatic amine, at least one of which is selected from 4,4?-diaminodiphenylmethane, 2,4?-diaminodiphenylmethane, 2,2?-dIamino-diphenylmethane and oligomeric diaminodiphenylmethane, where the sum of the % by weight of monomer components (a1) and (a2) adds up to 100% by weight and where the monomer components are present in polymeric form in the xerogel and the volume-weighted mean pore diameter of the xerogel is at most 5 ?m. The invention further relates to a process for preparing xerogels, to the xerogels thus obtainable and to the use of the xerogels as an insulating material and in vacuum insulation panels.

Abstract: A process for the production of biogas from biodegradable material is disclosed, the process comprising the steps of: (a) adding the biodegradable material to the reactor; (b) inoculating a microorganism; (c) adding a colloidal solution of surface-modified iron oxide nanoparticles to the reactor; (d) providing anaerobic conditions; (e) carrying out an anaerobic digestion; and (f) collecting the biogas; wherein the steps (a), (b) and (c) can be carried out in any order.

Abstract: A process for the production of biogas from biodegradable material is disclosed, the process comprising the steps of: (a) adding the biodegradable material to the reactor; (b) inoculating a microorganisms; (c) adding a colloidal solution of surface-modified iron oxide nanoparticles to the reactor; (d) providing anaerobic conditions; (e) carrying out an anaerobic digestion; and (f) collecting the biogas; wherein the steps (a), (b) and (c) can be carried out in any order.

Abstract: The invention relates to a xerogel comprising from 30 to 90% by weight of a monomer component (a1) composed of at least one polyfunctional isocyanate and from 10 to 70% by weight of a monomer component (a2) composed of at least one polyfunctional aromatic amine, at least one of which is selected from 4,4?-diaminodiphenylmethane, 2,4?-diaminodiphenylmethane, 2,2?-diaminodiphenylmethane and oligomeric diaminodiphenylmethane, where the sum of the % by weight of monomer components (a1) and (a2) adds up to 100% by weight and where the monomer components are present in polymeric form in the xerogel and the volume-weighted mean pore diameter of the xerogel is at most 5 ?m, The invention further relates to a process for preparing xerogels, to the xerogels thus obtainable and to the use of the xerogels as an insulating material and in vacuum insulation panels.