i-FACES

About the project:

Aerogels have ultra-high nano-porous structures, which enabled them to be optimal candidates for thermal protecting materials. However, most aerogels are mechanically brittle and are not suitable for thermal insulation of structures with complex geometries where material’s flexibility is required. Rather than “inducing” the flexibility in the structure, i-FACES will produce single component “inherently flexible aerogels” based on classes of polyolefins and polyvinyls with inherent mechanical flexibility at the ambient thermal conditions. Also, advanced composites of the developed aerogels with smart functionalities based on thermochromic materials will be developed. Furthermore, recycled materials will be utilized in this research for the creation of aerogels with more ecological impact.

2021

During the first monitoring period, all planned project activities successfully started, and all milestones have been achieved. The crucial achievements occurred within WP1 (Synthesis), where the project teams mastered the technology of preparation crucial samples. The samples, raw materials and semi-products have been characterized (WP3) and main modelling concepts and methods have been implemented from both research partners (TUL and SINTEF AS) to understand and predict process parameters and final materials properties (WP4). Functionalization of the materials (WP2) has started earlier than planned, and first promising results have been achieved. An effective close collaboration between the project partners has been established and project management tools have been optimized (meetings, data management plans, communication).

2022

During second project year, all planned project activities continued, and all milestones have been achieved. Crucial achievements occurred within WP1 (Synthesis), where the project teams mastered the technology of preparation of unique flexible aerogel samples. The samples, raw materials and semi-products have been characterized (WP3) and main modelling methods (WP4) have been implemented from to understand and predict process parameters and final materials properties. Functionalization of the materials (WP2) resulted in two publications on model materials to search best functional additives. An effective close collaboration between the project partners has been further developed and project
anagement tools have been updated.

2023

All planned project activities continued, and all milestones have been achieved during third project year. Effective close collaboration between the project partners has been further developed and project management tools have been updated. Crucial achievements occurred within WP1 (Synthesis), where the project teams further mastered the technology of preparation of unique flexible aerogel samples. The samples, raw materials and semi-products have been characterized (WP3) and main modelling methods (WP4) have been implemented to understand and predict process parameters and final materials properties. Functionalization of the materials (WP2) resulted in new concepts, their validation and publication will be finished during 2024. Two planned patent applications are ready for submission. Thanks to the project budget extension, young scientists have been engaged it the project, and new results (publications, samples, and workshops) are realized.

2024

All planned project activities continued, and all milestones have been achieved during the project duration. Effective close collaboration between the project partners has been. Crucial achievements occurred within WP1 (Synthesis), where the project teams mastered the technology of preparation of unique flexible aerogel samples. The samples, raw materials and semi-products have been characterized (WP3) and main modelling methods (WP4) have been implemented to understand and predict process parameters and final materials properties. Functionalization of the materials (WP2) resulted in new concepts, their validation and publication has been finished. Two planned patent applications have been submitted. Thanks to the project budget extension, young scientists have been engaged it the project, and new results (publications, samples, and workshops) were realized.

Beneficiary and project partners:

Technická univerzita v Liberci
SINTEF AS
POLPUR, spol. s r.o.

The project Inherently Flexible Aerogels for energy efficient structurES (i-FACES) benefits from a € 1 mil. grant from Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway through the EEA and Norway Grants and the Technology Agency of the Czech Republic. The project is carried out under the KAPPA funding programme for applied research, experimental development and innovation, managed by the Technology Agency of the Czech Republic.