Thermal properties

Aerogels are remarkable thermal insulators because they almost nullify three methods of heat transfer (convection, conduction, and radiation). They are good convective inhibitors because air cannot circulate throughout the lattice.
 
  • Silica aerogel is an especially good conductive insulator because silica is a poor conductor of heat.
  • A metallic aerogel, on the other hand, would be a less effective insulator.
  • Carbon aerogel is a good radiative insulator because carbon absorbs the infrared radiation that transfers heat.
  • The most insulative aerogel is silica aerogel with carbon added to it.
Comparison of thermal conductivity of various insulation materials.
Thickness comparison of various materials at same R1 value