Scientists from Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) have indigenously developed world’s lightest synthetic material called ‘silica aerogel’ or ‘blue air’.
It was developed by the team of scientist from ISRO’s e Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre, Thiruvananthapuram. Silica Aerogel is the lightest synthetic material ever made by man.
Key Properties of Silica Aerogel
- Light in weight and can be delicately placed on a flower head.
- Excellent thermal resistance and acts as a good insulator.
- The matrix of aerogel is made up of 99 per cent air.
- In its present development stage it is still very fragile and brittle.
Scientists at the Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre are still finding ways to make it tough and resilient.
Applications
- It can used as filler in soldiers’ uniforms to save lives of soldiers at the Siachen glacier.
- It can be used to insulate rocket engines as it can be used both in space and on Earth.
- It can be also used to make light weight clothing.
- It can be also painted on windows in to keep buildings cool or warm.
- ISRO is going to use this material on moon rover in Chandryaan-2 mission of India.