inherently Flexible Aerogels for energy effiCient structurES (i-FACES)

Aerogels have ultra-high nano-porous structures, which enabled them to be optimal candidates for thermal protecting materials. However, most aerogels are mechanically brittle and are not suitable for thermal insulation of structures with complex geometries where material’s flexibility is required. Rather than "inducing" the flexibility in the structure, i-FACES will produce single component “inherently flexible aerogels” based on classes of polyolefins and polyvinyls with inherent mechanical flexibility at the ambient thermal conditions. Also, advanced composites of the developed aerogels with smart functionalities based on thermochromic materials will be developed. Furthermore, recycled materials will be utilized in this research for the creation of aerogels with more ecological impact.