Taylor-made aerogels through a freeze-drying process: economic assessment

• Published in: Journal of sol-gel science and technology 2019-02, Vol.89 (2), p.436-447
• Main Authors: Simón-Herrero, Carolina, Romero, Amaya, Dorado, Fernando, Gracia, Ignacio, Valverde, Jose Luis, Sanchez-Silva, Luz
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Aerogels; Aluminum oxide; Carbon fibers; Cellulose; Ceramics; Chemistry and Materials Science; Composites; Construction materials; Decision analysis; Economic analysis; Freeze drying; Glass; Hydroxyethyl celluloses; Inorganic Chemistry; Insulation; Materials Science; Nanofibers; Nanotechnology; Natural Materials; Optical and Electronic Materials; Original Paper: Industrial and technological applications of sol-gel and hybrid materials; Process parameters; Production costs; Thermal stability
• ISSN: 0928-0707; 1573-4846
• DOI: 10.1007/s10971-018-4873-x

Polymer aerogels reinforced with carbon nanofibers and alumina aerogels reinforced with hydroxyethyl-cellulose have been successfully synthesized by means of a pilot plant freeze-drying process. Their main physicochemical properties have been measured and compared, and their production costs have been computed. The SWOT matrix of the process has been determined from internal and external analyses, revealing the interest of these products as building insulation materials and the need of establishing a detailed economic analysis. A homemade Excel-VBA application was designed in order to determine the economic parameters of the freeze-drying process. As a consequence of the total economic and physicochemical analysis, it was concluded that the production of aerogels reinforced with hydroxyethyl-cellulose could only be recommended if they are used as an insulating material in buildings with higher thermal stability requirements. Highlights Different types of aerogels have been successfully synthesised at pilot plant scale. Excel-VBA application was designed to determine the economic feasibility of the freeze-drying. Investment analysis and financial ratios demonstrated the interest of the polymeric aerogels. Aerogels reinforced with carbon nanofibers are recommended as insulating materials.