Next-Generation Polymer Aerogel Insulation for Cryogenic Applications

The growing emphasis on next-generation aerospace technology utilizing on-board cryogenic fuels, including liquid hydrogen, has created an urgent need for advanced cryogenic insulation materials that do not currently exist. In response, NASA is supporting the development and implementation of next-generation polymer aerogel insulation materials for cryogenic fuel applications. Aerogels are exceptional thermal insulation materials suitable for both evacuated and non-evacuated environments. Polymer aerogels, in particular, offer thermal insulation performance comparable to other aerogel classes while providing enhanced structural integrity and toughness inherent to polymeric systems, attributes that are critical for cryogenic insulation. In this study, polymer aerogels with varying chemical compositions were developed and systematically investigated. Their thermal conductivities were measured across cryogenic temperature ranges and under different vacuum levels. Selected recent findings from this ongoing effort will be presented at this conference.