Silica Aerogel Infused Filament for 3D printers

[Angstrom Innovations]

Fellow Makers, Inventors, and Innovators; My name is Daniel P. Lynge, and I am the Chief Science Officer and Head Alchemist for Angstrom Innovations, Inc.

Angstrom Innovations is a small Advanced Materials manufacturer based near Seattle, specializing in Hydrophobic Silica Aerogel particulates (Extreme Thermal & Electrical Insulator). What has that got to do with 3D-printing? Well, one of my hobbies is 3D modeling and printing. I’ve tinkered with stuff since I can remember (like the time I got in trouble for disassembling all the telephones in the house… I was 6), and got the Idea to combine the two while watching a “How do they make that?” episode featuring peanut butter filled chocolates with my son…

You all are my type of folk, at least as far as being makers and tinkerers, hackers & inventors. I *really^3* want to see what you creative types can make with an Aerogel infused 3D-printer filament. I’ve combined some 200~200 mesh particulates with ABS, and mechanical/destructive testing suggests an upper limit to the Aerogel to ABS ratio. I’ve seen carbon nanotube- & buckyball-, steel-, aluminum-, and other material -Infused Filaments in ABS & PLA for the 3D-printer market, and so I asked the Angstrom Beancounters, they said “Get positive feedback by noon Tuesday, or it’s a NO-GO”.

So, Can I get “Peer Review” for the concept of Silica Aerogel infused 3D-Printer Filament? Would this be a Useful Thing? I know I’m excited about it, but it’s my idea; that and $5 will get you a Mocha. As far as insulative objects made with an additive printer, do you like the idea? Would you like to have Aerogel Infused Thermoplastic Filaments? And what would you be willing to pay for a 1 lb. spool equivalent of A.I. Filament?

Thank you for your Time, and hopefully your support.

Daniel P. Lynge,
CSO/HA Angstrom Innovations,Inc.

[LambdaFF]

Hi, as an engineer, I like the idea of special purpose materials and increasing the library for desktop printers.

The population of people doing their own designs is (I think) relatively small, especially multimaterial specialised designs. So unless you also come with applications, reusable designs and projects... you'll probably be stuck with small engineering firms (but that's my opinion).

What would you suggest ? Customized heat protection garments ? Made to measure diving suits ? Oven mitts ? Engine insulation ?

[Angstrom Innovations]

What would you suggest ?

Hmm, that's a good one.

Given that most of the inexpensive printers I've seen have an (approx.) 6" x 6" x 6" print area, a soda can sleeve is one of the first ideas I came up with, but the CEO was talking about vaccination transportation boxes, and/or organ transport cases.

I thought about keeping my beer cold, and she was thinking about saving lives. That's kinda why I made her the Boss.

Battery Heat Shields, Pipe Insulation, Shoe Insoles, & Bleacher Butt pads have all been suggested, as well as various simple toys and gadgets. I suppose Nylon and other "wearable" plastic/fabrics could be spun out of infused filament, also.

So basically, Anything.

[LambdaFF]

So basically, Anything.

Yes, I see your point. I should have said I meant something practical : 3d printing vaccine boxings is not practical.

[Feign]

Obviously, the aerogel itself isn't going to melt in the filament, so how small a particulate are we talking with it? And how well will the Aerogel insulate if it's infiltrated by the more conductive ABS? I know Aerogel is fairly squishy, so I'm not terribly concerned with it clogging a hotend like some other infused filaments.

If it turns out to insulate at least half as well as pure aerogel then I could probably bring myself to pay $50-ish for a 1lb spool. It seems like it would be great for insulating cold things, but I would be very wary of using it for hot things, as the ABS does still have a low melting point.

[Angstrom Innovations]

Given the small dimensions you quote, I can see practical limitations to the technology at this time, but I think you're underestimating folks. I've seen small pieces bonded into bigger things before I ever heard of 3D printers, and I know there are cements and adhesives specifically designed for use with plastics, so... I guess someone's gotta try it out & see if it works. The Aerogel may be affected by the solvents, or it may prevent the cement from functioning, but I doubt either outcome.

Only folks who want to win need to try to compete. The rest of us get to see how creative they can be.


I'm hoping to be pleasantly surprised, but I'm not known for my pessimism.

[Angstrom Innovations]

Silica Aerogel is considered Mesoporous, with an "average" pore between 2-50 nm. The Hydrophilic Aerogel I made previously was destroyed by H2O, did poorly in oil based paints, but performed exquisitely when mixed into the Resin and the Epoxy prior to mixing them together at a 1:1 Liquid/Aerogel ratio.

I have made a small amount of Hydrophobic, and I tested a small sample of that against water (it floats! Hydrophobic = YES!) and veggie oil (Particulates sucked the oil up like sponges & sank like rocks). I have yet to mess around with the 2-part Epoxies or the thermoplastics, so I'll let you know what performance they have against/with it included. Thanks for the feedback!

[bshadown]

Ok i have to ask on this one, cause im not familiar with aerogel, what aré their advantages/specs? Feign said it might be used for insultation, if thats the primar y used it can be used as a protección against cold weather or something like that, i dont know but it might work

[Angstrom Innovations]

Ok i have to ask on this one, cause im not familiar with aerogel, what aré their advantages/specs? Feign said it might be used for insultation, if thats the primar y used it can be used as a protección against cold weather or something like that, i dont know but it might work

One inch of Silica Aerogel is to 3.5" of fiberglass as an insulator about what said 3.5" of batting is to a single pane of glass in a cheap aluminum frame.

Parkas & winter clothing made from it was found to be too insulative to use outside of mountain top/arctic environments. Desert Marathoners have used it for a few years now to keep from blistering when their shoes start melting.

[curious aardvark]

does it have any positive strength properties. Because short of insulating drinks I can't think of many practical uses.

But if it was lighter and stronger than standard abs - that would be useful.