If you’re wondering where to buy aerogel, you’re looking at a pretty cool material with a lot of different uses, so where you’ll find it really depends on what kind you’re after! Generally, you’ll find aerogel products from specialized online retailers like BuyAerogel.com, eBay, and even some academic or scientific supply stores. For larger-scale needs, especially for insulation, you’ll want to check with industrial suppliers and distributors.
Aerogel is often called “frozen smoke” or “solid air” because it’s super lightweight and mostly made of air, sometimes up to 99.8% by volume! This makes it an amazing insulator, among other things. We’re talking about a material that holds multiple Guinness World Records, including being the best insulator and the lowest density solid. It’s been used by NASA for everything from collecting cosmic dust to insulating Mars rovers. It’s truly cutting-edge stuff, and while it used to be mostly for high-tech industrial applications, it’s becoming more accessible for enthusiasts and even home use.
Where to Buy Aerogel Online
Alright, let’s talk about getting your hands on some aerogel. For most folks, online is probably the easiest way to go. You’ve got a few solid options, depending on what you’re planning to do with this awesome material.
For general curiosity, small samples, or educational purposes, sites like BuyAerogel.com are fantastic. They pretty much brand themselves as “Planet Earth’s Source for Aerogel™” and offer a whole range of items, from classic silica discs and blocks for experiments to various aerogel particles and even aerogel gift items. It’s a great spot if you just want to experience aerogel firsthand or need it for a science project. You can find things like a Classic Silica™ Aerogel Disc for around $35.00 there.
Then there’s eBay, which can be a treasure trove for silica aerogel products. You can find everything from small blocks and granules to sheets and even aerogel-infused items. It’s often where you’ll snag deals or find unique sizes and forms that might not be available on more specialized sites. Just do a quick search for “silica aerogel” and you’ll see a bunch of options, including hydrophobic silica aerogel discs and thermal insulation mats.
If you’re looking for powdered or granular aerogel, which is often more affordable than solid blocks, scientific suppliers and chemical companies are also good bets. United Nuclear, for example, offers granular/powdered silica aerogel in various quantities, noting its affordability compared to monolithic solid block forms. Alfa Chemistry also provides high-quality aerogel powder, which is used in everything from building insulation to cosmetics. These powders are great for experimenting with its insulation properties or for specific DIY projects. You might even find some aerogel powder options on broader online marketplaces. Your Go-To Guide: Where to Buy AC Capacitors When Your AC Needs a Boost
Finding Aerogel Insulation
When you’re talking about aerogel insulation, you’re looking at some serious thermal performance. This stuff is a must for keeping heat in or out. Aerogels have an R-value of around 10 per inch or even higher, which is significantly better than many traditional insulators like rigid fiberglass R-value of 4 per inch or XPS foam around R-5 per inch. This means you get excellent insulation with a much thinner material, which is super useful in spaces where thickness is a concern.
You’ll typically find aerogel insulation in the form of flexible blankets or rigid panels. Companies like Aspen Aerogels are major players in this space, offering products like Pyrogel and Cryogel blankets for high-temperature and cryogenic applications, respectively. These are usually distributed through industrial insulation suppliers.
In the UK, you can check out suppliers like Aerogel UK Limited. They manufacture aerogel coatings and supply a range of super insulation products, including silica aerogel blankets. They’re focused on making aerogel insulation more common in homes and industry. Another UK-based company, Thermablok Aerogels Limited, also supplies aerogel insulation blankets, including options that can be cut into strips for thermal bridging. Websites like Passivhaus Store also list aerogel insulation blankets and boards, though some might be temporarily unavailable. You might also find aerogel insulation blankets on larger online platforms that cater to industrial or specialized building materials.
For those in Australia, Bellis Australia partners with Aspen Aerogels Inc. to stock products like Pyrogel XTE, Pyrogel XTF, and Cryogel Z. They have branches in Brisbane, Gladstone, Melbourne, and Perth, making it easier to access these high-performance insulation solutions. AIS Group is another premier Australian supplier of Aspen insulation products, offering various sizes and formats for residential and commercial uses. You can also look for “silica aerogel suppliers Australia” for more local distributors. Aerogels Australia itself offers Spaceloft insulation blankets, which are flexible, nanoporous, and designed to conserve interior space. Hunting Down AAAA Batteries? Here’s Where to Find Those Elusive Little Powerhouses!
And if you’re in New Zealand, Mighty Ape NZ occasionally lists nanostructured silica aerogel, especially for scientific or experimental purposes. For more industrial or bulk needs, you’d likely look for suppliers of silica products or chemical suppliers that can import aerogel. RS Components in NZ also lists flame-retardant aerogel microporous blanket thermal insulating sheets. Searching for “silica aerogel NZ suppliers” might also yield some local or regional distributors.
Aerogel Powder
If you’re specifically on the hunt for aerogel in powder form, you’ve got several avenues. As mentioned, sites like BuyAerogel.com offer various aerogel particles and powders, including Lumira® Aerogel Particles for daylighting and experimentation, and Hydrophilic Silica Aerogel Powder. These come in different grades and can be useful for a range of applications, from performance coatings to scientific research.
Another great place to find aerogel powder is through scientific and chemical supply companies. Businesses like United Nuclear sell granular/powdered silica aerogel, often highlighting its more accessible price point compared to solid blocks. They even suggest using it for superinsulation or separating it for other uses. Alfa Chemistry also lists high-quality aerogel powder, detailing its features like hydrophobicity, lightweight nature, excellent thermal insulation, and adsorption properties, making it suitable for building coatings, industrial fillings, textiles, and even cosmetics. For a broader selection, a search on Amazon for “aerogel powder” might show you a variety of options from different sellers.
Aerogel Hairspray: A Specific Niche
You might have heard of “aerogel hairspray” and wondered if it actually contains the same aerogel we’ve been talking about. It’s a bit of a marketing term, but it does relate to the science. The “aerogel” in hairspray often refers to a very lightweight, fast-drying, and fine-mist formulation, typically achieved through specialized polymers and propellants. While it might not contain the solid, silica-based aerogel you’d buy for insulation or experiments, the name is inspired by aerogel’s characteristic lightness and air-filled structure. Where to buy aa batteries
Brands use the term to imply that the hairspray offers hold without the heavy, sticky feeling, much like how aerogel is incredibly light. If you’re looking for hairsprays with this “aerogel” technology, you’d typically find them in drugstores, beauty supply stores, or large retailers like Walmart or through online beauty product vendors. Just search for “aerogel hairspray” from popular beauty brands, and you’ll likely find several options.
Aerogel Near Me
Finding “aerogel near me” can be a bit tricky because it’s not a common household item you’d usually pick up at a local hardware store. Most aerogel sales, especially for specialized forms like insulation blankets or powders, happen through online distributors or industrial suppliers.
However, if you’re looking for it locally, your best bet is to:
- Check with industrial insulation distributors: Companies that supply materials for commercial construction, HVAC, or oil and gas often carry aerogel insulation products. You might need to call them directly and ask if they stock or can order aerogel materials.
- Look for specialized chemical or scientific supply stores: While less common for walk-in purchases, some larger cities might have stores that cater to academic institutions or research labs, and they might carry small samples or be able to direct you to a supplier.
- Order online for local delivery: For most people, the easiest “near me” solution is actually ordering from an online retailer that ships to your location. Many suppliers offer nationwide or even international shipping, bringing the aerogel directly to your doorstep.
Aerogel in Subnautica: Not a Real-World Purchase!
Now, if you’re a gamer, especially if you play Subnautica, you’ve probably heard of aerogel in a completely different context! In the game, aerogel is a crafted resource that’s super important for making various tools and equipment. You can’t actually buy it in the game, you have to make it. Where to Buy AAA Batteries: Your Ultimate Guide
To craft aerogel in Subnautica, you need two key ingredients: Gel Sacks and Rubies, along with a Fabricator. Players often find Gel Sacks in areas like the Grand Reef, Sparse Reef, or near the giant mushroom tree in the NW mushroom forest. Rubies are usually found in deeper biomes, like the Grand Reef or near Lifepod 19. You can even farm Gel Sacks by knifing one to get seeds and planting them in an exterior growbed. So, while it’s a vital resource in the game, remember this isn’t something you’d add to your real-world shopping cart!
What to Consider When Buying Aerogel
Before you click that “buy” button, there are a few things to keep in mind when purchasing aerogel, especially since it’s still a pretty specialized material.
Type of Aerogel
Aerogels come in different “flavors,” with silica aerogel being the most common. However, there are also carbon aerogels, metal oxide aerogels, and even some organic polymer-based ones, each with slightly different properties and applications. For most insulation or general experimental uses, silica aerogel is what you’ll encounter. For something like a carbon aerogel, you’d need to look for specialized suppliers.
Form Factor
Are you looking for a solid block monolith, flexible blanket, or loose powder/granules? The Best $1000 Laptop for School: Your Ultimate Guide
- Monoliths are great for demonstrations or small-scale, precise applications, but they can be fragile and quite expensive.
- Blankets are ideal for insulation projects, offering flexibility and easy installation.
- Powders/Granules are more affordable, versatile, and useful for filling voids or mixing into coatings.
Hydrophobic vs. Hydrophilic
Some aerogels are hydrophobic, meaning they repel water, which is a huge advantage for insulation in damp environments. Others are hydrophilic, meaning they absorb water. Make sure you choose the right type for your application. Many insulation blankets are designed to be hydrophobic.
Cost
Let’s be real, aerogel isn’t cheap. It’s significantly more expensive than traditional insulation materials, sometimes 10 to 100 times more per unit volume. This is mainly due to the complex and energy-intensive manufacturing process, particularly the supercritical drying method required to preserve its unique nanostructure.
For building insulation, graphene aerogel, for instance, can range from $19 to $27 per square meter, with minimum order quantities. A small piece of aerogel like a 1.2 cm disc can cost around €22 about $24 USD, while high-purity graphene powder can go from $3-$6 per 10 grams, up to $3,000 per kilogram. However, ongoing research is working on reducing production costs to make aerogels more accessible. Despite the higher upfront cost, its superior performance can lead to long-term energy savings in specific applications.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is aerogel primarily used for?
Aerogels are primarily used for their exceptional thermal insulation properties due to their high porosity and low thermal conductivity, making them ideal for applications in aerospace like spacecraft and suits, industrial pipelines, and high-performance building insulation. Beyond insulation, they’re also used in scientific research for cosmic dust capture, as catalysts, in energy storage, and even in drug delivery systems.
Is aerogel safe to handle?
Yes, silica aerogel is generally safe to touch. It’s non-toxic and not known to be carcinogenic. However, because it’s so porous and absorbent, it can rapidly absorb moisture from your skin, leaving a dry sensation that typically disappears quickly. For handling bare aerogels, especially in powder form, it’s recommended to wear protective gear like respiratory protection, gloves, and eye goggles to avoid dryness or irritation to mucous membranes. Good 1000 Dollar Laptop: Your Ultimate Guide for 2025
What is the R-value of aerogel insulation?
Aerogel insulation boasts an impressive R-value, typically around 10 to 10.3 per inch, with some reports citing up to 13 for 10mm thick blankets. This is significantly higher than many common insulation materials like fiberglass R-4 per inch or rigid foam, making it one of the most effective insulators available for its thickness. Its ability to prevent heat transfer at such a thin profile is a major advantage in space-constrained applications.
Why is aerogel so expensive?
Aerogel is expensive primarily due to its complex and specialized manufacturing process. The most common method involves a sol-gel process followed by supercritical drying, which is energy-intensive and requires precise control to maintain its delicate nanostructure. The raw materials can also be specialized. While research is ongoing to develop more cost-effective ambient pressure drying techniques and hybrid materials, the intricate production steps contribute significantly to its higher price compared to traditional materials.
Can I buy transparent aerogel?
Yes, you can buy transparent aerogel, specifically certain types of silica aerogel monoliths or discs. These transparent forms are often showcased for their “frozen smoke” appearance and light-scattering properties. Companies like BuyAerogel.com offer various transparent silica aerogel samples, including discs and blocks, primarily for curiosity, experimentation, or demonstration purposes. These are typically more fragile and expensive than aerogel in blanket or powder form but offer a unique visual experience of the material.
Where can I buy aerogel for science projects?
For science projects, you can usually find small samples of aerogel from specialized online retailers like BuyAerogel.com or Educational Innovations. They often sell aerogel in small discs, blocks, or particle form, perfect for demonstrating its unique properties like ultra-lightweight, incredible insulation, and transparency. These suppliers often cater to educators and students, making it easy to purchase small, manageable quantities for experiments. You might also find them on Amazon or eBay by searching for “aerogel sample” or “silica aerogel for science“.
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