Abstract: An object of the present invention is to propose heat insulating structure which is excellent in thermal insulating properties and higher in strength. The heat insulating structure includes: an aerogel layer including aerogel particles, adhesive, and fibers; and a retainer which is provided to at least one face of the aerogel layer and includes fiber materials and binder resin. Each of the fibers is part of one of the fiber materials included in the retainer.

Abstract: A method for producing silica aerogel according to the present invention includes: a solation step of generating a sol by adding monoalkyltrialkoxysilane to an acidic aqueous solution containing silicic acid; and a gelation step of generating a wet gel by gelating the sol. Moreover, the production method includes a drying step of removing a solvent, which is contained in the wet gel, from the wet gel by drying the wet gel at less than a critical temperature of the solvent and at less than a critical pressure of the solvent. Then, the monoalkyltrialkoxysilane is added to the acidic aqueous solution so that an amount of silicon in the monoalkyltrialkoxysilane becomes 1 mol part or more with respect to 1 mol part of an amount of silicon in the acidic aqueous solution containing the silicic acid.

Abstract: A method for producing a silica aerogel includes a gelation step of adding a monoalkyltrialkoxysilane to an acidic aqueous solution containing a surfactant to prepare a sol, and then gelating the sol to prepare a wet gel. The method further includes a separation step of immersing the wet gel in a solvent mixture of a first solvent and a second solvent immiscible with the first solvent. The first solvent has an ETN value of 0.5 or less, and the second solvent has an ETN value between those of the first solvent and water. The method further includes a drying step of drying the wet gel at a temperature lower than a critical temperature of the first solvent under a pressure lower than a critical pressure of the first solvent to remove the first solvent from the wet gel.

Abstract: A method for producing silica aerogel according to the present invention includes: a solation step of generating a sol by adding monoalkyltrialkoxysilane to an acidic aqueous solution containing silicic acid; and a gelation step of generating a wet gel by gelating the sol. Moreover, the production method includes a drying step of removing a solvent, which is contained in the wet gel, from the wet gel by drying the wet gel at less than a critical temperature of the solvent and at less than a critical pressure of the solvent. Then, the monoalkyltrialkoxysilane is added to the acidic aqueous solution so that an amount of silicon in the monoalkyltrialkoxysilane becomes 1 mol part or more with respect to 1 mol part of an amount of silicon in the acidic aqueous solution containing the silicic acid.

Abstract: A method for producing a silica aerogel includes a gelation step of adding a monoalkyltrialkoxysilane to an acidic aqueous solution containing a surfactant to prepare a sol, and then gelating the sol to prepare a wet gel. The method further includes a separation step of immersing the wet gel in a solvent mixture of a first solvent and a second solvent immiscible with the first solvent. The first solvent has an ETN value of 0.5 or less, and the second solvent has an ETN value between those of the first solvent and water. The method further includes a drying step of drying the wet gel at a temperature lower than a critical temperature of the first solvent under a pressure lower than a critical pressure of the first solvent to remove the first solvent from the wet gel.

Abstract: Provided is a heat-insulating molding compound from which a heat-insulating molded article having high strength and excellent thermal insulating properties can be produced. The compound is formed by crushing an aerogel particle coated with an adhesive.

Abstract: Provided is a heat-insulating molded article of high strength and exceptional heat insulating proprieties. The compound is molded by mixing first aerogel particles coated with adhesives, and second aerogel particles not coated with the adhesives.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to propose heat insulating structure which is excellent in thermal insulating properties and higher in strength. The heat insulating structure includes: an aerogel layer including aerogel particles, adhesive, and fibers; and a retainer which is provided to at least one face of the aerogel layer and includes fiber materials and binder resin. Each of the fibers is part of one of the fiber materials included in the retainer.

Abstract: The objective of the present invention is to provide a thermal insulator which is higher in strength and is excellent in a thermal insulating property. The present invention relates to a thermal insulator 10 formed by bonding a plurality of aerogel particles 1 with at least one adhesive portion 2. Surfaces of the plurality of aerogel particles 1 are hydrophobic. The surfaces of the plurality of aerogel particles 1 are treated with a surfactant. The at least one adhesive portion 2 includes a branching structure section that extends over surfaces of at least three of the plurality of aerogel particles.

Abstract: Provided is a thermal insulator B formed by bonding a plurality of aerogel particles A with adhesive 2 and a method for producing the same. The aerogel particles A have an average particle size of 500 ?m or more. The adhesive 2 exists as particles on surfaces of the aerogel particles A. A ratio (adhesive/aerogel particle) of an average particle size of the adhesive 2 to the average particle size of the aerogel particles A falls within a range of 1/200 to 1/10. For producing the thermal insulator B, the adhesive 2 is made of an adhesive powder including thermosetting resin or thermoplastic resin. Obtained thermal insulator B has an improved strength and is excellent in thermal insulating properties.