A Simple, Fast and Economical Burn-drying Method for Making Aerogels

LEAD INVENTOR:

Reika Katsumata, Ph.D.

 

PRODUCT OPPORTUNITIES

•       Thermally insulating materials

•       Micro supercapacitors

 

ADVANTAGES

•       A simple, fast, and energy-efficient process

•       Highly scalable and economically viable

•       Can prevent molecular rearrangement in the aerogel fabrication process

 

TECHNOLOGY DESCRIPTION

This invention provides a simple, fast, economical and scalable method for making porous, light-weight hard materials, such as aerogels. The method involves the use of polymer-assisted rapid thermal annealing, eliminating uneconomical steps used in conventional methods such as long thermal treatments, etching, and freeze-drying.

ABOUT THE LEAD INVENTOR

Dr. Reika Katsumata is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Polymer Science and Engineering at the University of Massachusetts Amherst. Her research interests include design extremely confided soft/hard interfaces.

AVAILABILITY:

Available for Licensing and/or Sponsored Research

DOCKET:

UMA 22-001

PATENT STATUS:

Patent Pending