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science20h ago
Taking aerogel insulation from spacecraft to living space
- Nanoplume in Cambridge is scaling a bio-based aerogel to compete with traditional insulators.
- The startup aims to cut costs and energy use by avoiding traditional silica-based aerogels.
- Nanoplume targets cold-chain packaging first, collaborating with a shipping company for tests.
- Longer-term, the material could replace wall, roof, and floor insulation in buildings.
- The aerogel is described as non-toxic and safe to eat, with stability under high temperatures and humidity.
- Nanoplume aims to scale up production and optimize formulations for practical use.
- The broader market for insulation is projected to reach $100 billion by 2030.
- Nanoplume is a Carbon 13 venture with a small team, focusing on sustainable materials.
- initial demonstrations show the aerogel with potential for feminine hygiene and oil cleanup uses.
- The project underscores space-grade insulation becoming accessible for broader markets.
- Researchers anticipate expanding applications beyond space-era insulation.
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