Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention describe an insulation system comprising: a primary shell; a secondary shell positioned to cover at least a portion of the primary shell; a cryogenic fluid contained by the primary shell and at least one load-bearing primary insulation component disposed between the secondary shell and the primary shell. Optionally an intermediary shell is placed between the primary shell and the secondary shell along with a secondary insulation component resulting in a shell/insulation/shell/insulation/shell arrangement. In either arrangement, the primary, secondary or both insulation components comprise a material with a nanoporous aerogel optionally reinforced with a fibrous element.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention describe hybrid organic-inorganic aerogel materials wherein a variety of organic components are incorporated into the aerogel. Methods provided herein allow functionalization and or reinforcement of aerogels starting with urea or urethane formation reactions, gelation with inorganic precursors and subsequent drying thereof.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention describe a structure comprising at least one fiber-reinforced aerogel layer and at least one binder layer, said binder layer comprising a silicon-containing organic material and where the binder layer is bonded to at least one surface of a fiber-reinforced aerogel layer.

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.

Abstract: An insulating structure comprising an aerogel composite fully enclosed by an envelope and sealed at a reduced pressure, said aerogel composite comprising at least one metal oxide matrix and a fibrous material incorporated therein, and where said insulating structure can bend to at least 90° and a bending radius of less than ½ inch without any substantial fracture.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention describe a method for producing gel beads comprising: depositing catalyzed sol droplets comprising a gel precursor into a moving dispensing medium, said medium being immiscible with the sol, and allowing gelation of the sol to occur in the moving dispensing medium thereby producing gel beads. This system utilizes a horizontally flowing dispensing medium where the catalyzed sol droplet is fully formed before deposited therein.

Abstract: A silicone resin, curable to a resin of low coefficient of thermal expansion, high glass transition temperature and high modulus, has the empirical formula (R3SiO2)a(R2SiO2/2)b(RsiO3/2)c(SiO4/2)d wherein each R is a hydrocarbon or substituted hydrocarbon group or a hydrogen atom; and a=0.02 to 0.8; b=0 to 0.4; and c+d=0.2 to 0.98, where a+b+c+d=1.0, characterized in that at least 2 mole % of the siloxane units in the resin are of the formula R?3SiO1/2 RR?2Sio1/2 or R?2SiO2/2 wherein each R? is an alkenyl group.

Abstract: An insulating structure comprising an aerogel composite fully enclosed by an envelope and sealed at a reduced pressure, said aerogel composite comprising at least one metal oxide matrix and a fibrous material incorporated therein, and where said insulating structure can bend to at least 90° and a bending radius of less than ½ inch without any substantial fracture.

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.

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.