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Aerogel Vulnerability Guide
Understanding the weaknesses of the world’s lightest solid material.
Can I use my aerogel in smoke for a video?
The short answer is: it depends on your aerogel and the type of smoke. Heat from smoke is not a problem, but two other factors are critical:
- Moisture: If the smoke is “wet” (like from a fog machine) and your aerogel is standard silica, the liquid will destroy it.
- Particulates: Soot and other particles in the smoke can clog the aerogel’s surface pores, potentially changing its appearance.
This guide will help you determine the risk. First, let’s explore the main threats to any aerogel.
The Four Main Threats to Aerogel
1. Liquid Damage
The #1 enemy. Liquids cause the delicate internal structure of standard aerogels to collapse catastrophically through capillary action.
2. Physical Impact
Standard silica aerogels are brittle (friable) and can shatter like glass from sharp impacts or excessive pressure.
3. Particulate Contamination
Dust, soot, and other fine particles can clog the nano-sized pores on the surface, affecting transparency and other properties.
4. Extreme Heat
While excellent insulators, silica aerogels will start to sinter (densify) and shrink around 650°C (1200°F).
What Kind of Aerogel Do You Have?
The vulnerabilities change dramatically based on the type. Select one to see.
Classic Silica Aerogel: The Fragile Wonder
This is the original “frozen smoke.” It’s incredibly lightweight and a fantastic insulator, but it’s also very delicate.
- Extremely vulnerable to liquids. It is hydrophilic (attracts water) and will be destroyed on contact with moisture.
- Highly brittle. It shatters easily under impact or pressure. Handling can produce fine dust.
- Can hold immense weight if applied carefully, but has very low fracture toughness.
The Danger of Water
Click to see how capillary action destroys the structure.
Your Smoke Video: Risk Assessment
Combine your aerogel type with the smoke type to see the probable outcome.
🔴 High Risk: Not Recommended
This combination will likely cause permanent damage. The moisture in wet smoke or fog will be absorbed by the hydrophilic aerogel, causing its internal nano-structure to collapse. This damage is irreversible.