Aerogel composites and methods for making and using them

Composites such as self-supporting rigid composites that include aerogel have low thermal conductivity and attractive mechanical properties. Methods for preparing such composites include, for example, combining an aerogel-containing material with a binder to form a slurry and allowing the slurry to harden. At least part of the hardening process in conducted under compression. 包括气凝胶的复合材料例如自支撑刚性复合材料具有低的热导率以及有吸引力的机械性能。用于制备这样的复合材料的方法包括，例如，将含有气凝胶的材料与粘结剂组合以形成浆料和允许所述浆料硬化。所述硬化过程的至少部分在压缩下进行。