Abstract: Described herein are insulating structures that include at least one microporous layer including a plurality of pores, a porous layer adjacent to the microporous layer, and a monolithic aerogel structure extending through the plurality of pores of the microporous layer and through at least part of the porous layer. The microporous layer filters aerogel dust from cracked or damaged aerogel within the scaffold, slowing or preventing loss of dust from the insulating structures.

Abstract: Described herein are insulating structures that include at least one microporous layer including a plurality of pores, a porous layer adjacent to the microporous layer, and a monolithic aerogel structure extending through the plurality of pores of the microporous layer and through at least part of the porous layer. The microporous layer filters aerogel dust from cracked or damaged aerogel within the scaffold, slowing or preventing loss of dust from the insulating structures.

Abstract: Described herein are aerogel composites. The aerogel composites comprise at least one base layer having a top surface and a bottom surface, the base layer comprising a reinforced aerogel composition which comprises a reinforcement material and a monolithic aerogel framework, a first facing layer comprising a first facing material attached to the top surface of the base layer, and a second facing layer comprising a second facing material attached to the bottom surface of the base layer. At least a portion of the monolithic aerogel framework of the base layer extends into at least a portion of both the first facing layer and the second facing layer. The first facing material and the second facing material each consist essentially of fluoropolymer material.

Abstract: The invention is an article of footwear incorporating insulation material, such as a low bulk insulation material, to provide warmth in cold weather, yet with the style, agility, and breathability of a typical conventional shoe or boot. Additionally, in a further embodiment, the invention includes these features in a shoe or boot which is also waterproof and breathable. These aspects of the present invention are achieved through a placement, or mapping, of low bulk insulation to maximize the footwear article attributes of warmth, style, agility, and breathability.

Abstract: Described herein are aerogel composites. The aerogel composites comprise at least one base layer having a top surface and a bottom surface, the base layer comprising a reinforced aerogel composition which comprises a reinforcement material and a monolithic aerogel framework, a first facing layer comprising a first facing material attached to the top surface of the base layer, and a second facing layer comprising a second facing material attached to the bottom surface of the base layer. At least a portion of the monolithic aerogel framework of the base layer extends into at least a portion of both the first facing layer and the second facing layer. The first facing material and the second facing material each consist essentially of fluoropolymer material.

Abstract: Described herein are insulating structures that include at least one microporous layer including a plurality of pores, a porous layer adjacent to the microporous layer, and a monolithic aerogel structure extending through the plurality of pores of the microporous layer and through at least part of the porous layer. The microporous layer filters aerogel dust from cracked or damaged aerogel within the scaffold, slowing or preventing loss of dust from the insulating structures.

Abstract: The invention is an article of footwear incorporating insulation material, such as a low bulk insulation material, to provide warmth in cold weather, yet with the style, agility, and breathability of a typical conventional shoe or boot. Additionally, in a further embodiment, the invention includes these features in a shoe or boot which is also waterproof and breathable. These aspects of the present invention are achieved through a placement, or mapping, of low bulk insulation to maximize the footwear article attributes of warmth, style, agility, and breathability.