Blueshift unveils first commercially available polyimide aerogel

STATE-OF-THE-ART, lightweight material specialist Blueshift International Materials Inc. has introduced the industry’s first commercially available polyimide aerogel, the AeroZero.

 

This high-performance material is suitable for a wide range of applications and industries, including aerospace, oil and gas, RF-radar, automotive, and building materials. The strong yet lightweight, thin, clean and flexible insulator combines the physical and toughness attributes of plastic films and the insulation properties of aerogels.  

 

The AeroZero boasts superior thermal and acoustic insulation, high thermal stability, and low dielectric constant. Its insulating characteristics are second only to vacuums. Its density is about 85% lower than traditional polyimides.

 

The AeroZero can withstand extreme high temperatures and cryogenic temperatures, thereby providing aerogel-level thermal conductivity and excellent acoustic insulation. Its 100% polyimide polymer construction eliminates dusting and the requirement for dangerous handling protocols, making it incredibly clean and safe. It also delivers on reliability, flexibility, toughness, and strength. 

 

The only all-polymer film-form and stock-shape aerogel on the market, the AeroZero comes in rolls up to 3ft wide and varying lengths. The thickness can be 5 mil, 10 mil, and fiber reinforced 10 mil. The stock shapes come in geometries up to 12inx12in and 2in thick.

 

Blueshift president Tim Burbey said the AeroZero was developed to meet the growing need for a dust-free aerogel solution and to support the industry trend toward lightweight constructions. 

 

“Until now, high-end insulation materials have been made from composite structures that integrate a varying combination of materials such as foams, glass fibers, and particulate silica aerogels. AeroZero enables product designers to create lighter and higher performing products with a simple and straightforward approach. The AeroZero can be easily incorporated into composite structures just like existing polymer films and stock shapes are today,” Mr. Burbey added.