Question about Aerogel

AgaBoogaBoo

Lifer
Feb 16, 2003
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http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aerogel
Pressing softly does not leave any mark on the gel; pressing harder will leave a permanent dimple. Pressing hard enough will cause a catastrophic breakdown in the sparse structure causing it to shatter like glass (known as friability). Despite the fact that it is prone to shattering, it is very strong structurally, able to hold over 2000 times its own weight.

What exactly does that mean? Does it mean that if I press hard on it with my hand it will shatter?
 

AgaBoogaBoo

Lifer
Feb 16, 2003
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shattering aerogel would really suck :Q

I ordered some last night, will post pictures once I get it! :D
 

So

Lifer
Jul 2, 2001
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Originally posted by: AgaBoogaBoo
shattering aerogel would really suck :Q

I ordered some last night, will post pictures once I get it! :D

Ow! I just stabbed myself! With a shard of....essentially....air.
 

Eli

Super Moderator | Elite Member
Oct 9, 1999
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Originally posted by: AgaBoogaBoo
shattering aerogel would really suck :Q

I ordered some last night, will post pictures once I get it! :D

You ordered some aerogel?

How exactly do they measure it? Certainly not by weight.. lol
 

So

Lifer
Jul 2, 2001
25,923
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Originally posted by: Eli
Originally posted by: AgaBoogaBoo
shattering aerogel would really suck :Q

I ordered some last night, will post pictures once I get it! :D

You ordered some aerogel?

How exactly do they measure it? Certainly not by weight.. lol

Er...volume?
 

unsped

Platinum Member
Mar 18, 2000
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my guess, it doesnt shatter like glass, it crumbles like a grahm cracker
 

Minerva

Platinum Member
Nov 18, 1999
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He probably ordered it from United Nuclear. They have a TINY tube with a few small fragments for $25. -M
 

Minerva

Platinum Member
Nov 18, 1999
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Originally posted by: AgaBoogaBoo
Originally posted by: Minerva
He probably ordered it from United Nuclear. They have a TINY tube with a few small fragments for $25. -M
http://www.mountain-skies.org/gift-shop.html

$59.95 display aerogel

Wow that stuff is expensive. What you really want is the stuff that glows in the dark. If you can find that 4 sale, buy it! It's so bright it can be used for display panel backlights that last 10+ years and require zero power. Problem is $$$$. -M

 

AgaBoogaBoo

Lifer
Feb 16, 2003
26,108
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Originally posted by: Minerva
Originally posted by: AgaBoogaBoo
Originally posted by: Minerva
He probably ordered it from United Nuclear. They have a TINY tube with a few small fragments for $25. -M
http://www.mountain-skies.org/gift-shop.html

$59.95 display aerogel

Wow that stuff is expensive. What you really want is the stuff that glows in the dark. If you can find that 4 sale, buy it! It's so bright it can be used for display panel backlights that last 10+ years and require zero power. Problem is $$$$. -M
That, and if we're thinking of the same thing then it's not legal to bring into the US :p
 

Minerva

Platinum Member
Nov 18, 1999
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That would depend on where you live. If your state is an NRC state consult with the NRC. If not you need to contact the environmental division which regulates nuclear materials in your state. Last time I checked the law is quite outdated on general vs. specific regulations and enforcement works AGAINST you if you would get accused of posession and/or willingness to acquire.

Sounds scary but the stuff is no more harmful than a bottle of water honestly. The bottle is actually worse because that can kill you if you abuse it. -M
 

91TTZ

Lifer
Jan 31, 2005
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Originally posted by: Minerva
That would depend on where you live. If your state is an NRC state consult with the NRC. If not you need to contact the environmental division which regulates nuclear materials in your state. Last time I checked the law is quite outdated on general vs. specific regulations and enforcement works AGAINST you if you would get accused of posession and/or willingness to acquire.

Sounds scary but the stuff is no more harmful than a bottle of water honestly. The bottle is actually worse because that can kill you if you abuse it. -M



What does aerogel have to do with nuclear materials?
 

loup garou

Lifer
Feb 17, 2000
35,132
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Originally posted by: 91TTZ
Originally posted by: Minerva
That would depend on where you live. If your state is an NRC state consult with the NRC. If not you need to contact the environmental division which regulates nuclear materials in your state. Last time I checked the law is quite outdated on general vs. specific regulations and enforcement works AGAINST you if you would get accused of posession and/or willingness to acquire.

Sounds scary but the stuff is no more harmful than a bottle of water honestly. The bottle is actually worse because that can kill you if you abuse it. -M



What does aerogel have to do with nuclear materials?
Stuff that glows in the dark probably consists of some sort of isotope...

 

AgaBoogaBoo

Lifer
Feb 16, 2003
26,108
5
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Originally posted by: 91TTZ
Originally posted by: Minerva
That would depend on where you live. If your state is an NRC state consult with the NRC. If not you need to contact the environmental division which regulates nuclear materials in your state. Last time I checked the law is quite outdated on general vs. specific regulations and enforcement works AGAINST you if you would get accused of posession and/or willingness to acquire.

Sounds scary but the stuff is no more harmful than a bottle of water honestly. The bottle is actually worse because that can kill you if you abuse it. -M



What does aerogel have to do with nuclear materials?
He's referring to something like the betalight, someone explained it like this: "a tritium filled borosilicate vessel coated with a phosphor. The phosphor is excited by the continous stream of electrons emited by the tritium. To summarise, it's a nuclear fluorescent bulb!"
 

AgaBoogaBoo

Lifer
Feb 16, 2003
26,108
5
81
Originally posted by: F22 Raptor
Wow, I cannot wait for the pictures of this stuff. What are you using it for AgaBoogaBoo?

:D
If i could get it in thin sheets I'd use it for isolation of a small cooler I'm building for 12-18 cans. Since I can't, it's mostly just curiosity and because I think it's something neat to have, could strike up an interesting conversation :p
 

91TTZ

Lifer
Jan 31, 2005
14,374
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Originally posted by: loup garou

What does aerogel have to do with nuclear materials?
Stuff that glows in the dark probably consists of some sort of isotope...

[/quote]

Everything is some sort of isotope.
 

loup garou

Lifer
Feb 17, 2000
35,132
1
81
Originally posted by: 91TTZ
Originally posted by: loup garou

What does aerogel have to do with nuclear materials?
Stuff that glows in the dark probably consists of some sort of isotope...

Everything is some sort of isotope.[/quote]
Sorry, forgot the radioactive in there. You know what I meant anyways.
 

Minerva

Platinum Member
Nov 18, 1999
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Betalights are MUCH dimmer than tritiated aerogels. No comparison. The future is bright because it puts out enough light to excite high efficiency photovoltaic arrays making the first truly practical betaphotovoltaic power source a reality. Much safer than RTG's for example. Of course high drain apps will still require RTG's unless space is available for a large array of beta cells. -M

p.s. I'm a she.