Lightweight Rubbery Aerogel Composites for High Performance Protection

Aspen Aerogels Inc. (AAI) and the Man Vehicle Laboratory (MVL) at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology propose to develop nanostructured, lightweight, rubbery aerogel composites for multifunctional insulation materials which will significantly improve advanced extravehicular activity (EVA) systems and habitats. The proposed rubbery aerogel composite materials will exhibit excellent flexibility, toughness and durability, versatility, and hardness, along with the low density and superior thermal insulation properties associated with the nanopored structure of aerogels. The flexible rubbery behavior of the proposed materials will overcome the weak, brittle, and dusty nature of conventional inorganic and organic aerogels. The proposed high-performance, lightweight, rubbery aerogel composites will provide superior thermal insulation and inherent radiation protection suitable for NASA advanced extravehicular activity (EVA) suits and exploration habitat protection. Insulating aerogel composites are also applicable to NASA's space hardware and vehicles as well as many other aerospace, military, and commercial insulation applications.