- Feb 16, 2003
- 26,108
- 5
- 81
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aerogel
What exactly does that mean? Does it mean that if I press hard on it with my hand it will shatter?
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?