Novel Treatment of Power Plant Fly Ash for Use as Low-Cost Mercury Sorbent

65264 Commonly utilized duct system insulation typically has very low thermal R-values of approximately R-4/inch. This project will develop and optimize a new type of insulation for HVAC ductwork with higher R-values, 10-12/inch. New duct designs, based on a recently developed lightweight and flexible aerogel-based insulation, will be developed so that the insulating material can be incorporated into an overwrap or an evacuated super-insulation structure. In Phase I, the flexible aerogel composite blanket materials will be optimized with respect to hydrophobicity and IR opacification. Coupons will be made and characterized for thermal and mechanical properties. Prototype duct structures incorporating the materials will be made to demonstrate the best concepts. Commercial Applications And Other Benefits as described by awardee: Aerogel super-insulation materials with R-10 to R-12/inch under ambient pressure, and up to R-50/inch in vacuum at room temperature, should have wide application in the aerospace, value-added insulation, and the commercial and residential HVAC market.