[Balloon-makers] Revolutionary Material

[Dan Nachbar]

On May 8, 2009, at 11:26 AM, Kyle Kepley wrote:

> Here's some exciting new Aerogel based materials coming down the  
> pike that may eventually find its way into balloon construction.   
> The insulation properties are amazing, which could result in very  
> fuel efficient hot air balloons and even make steam balloons viable.
>
> http://www.defensetechbriefs.com/component/content/article/5164
>
> http://www.aerogel.com/markets/industrial.html
>
>
> This stuff has the insulation properties of a space shuttle tile.   
> It's 10 times more insulative than fiberglass wall insulation and is  
> extremely light weight!  Imagine a double-wall balloon with a layer  
> of this stuff sandwiched in between.  All kinds of new HAB records  
> would be set.  An Aerogel HAB might be more like flying a gas balloon.
>
> -Kyle

I looked at this stuff a little bit.  Their claim to fame is that their
stuff insulates a lot in a relatively thin layer.  But it is rather  
dense.
So it is not clear yet clear to me if it provides better insulation  
per pound
than other techniques (e.g. double walled envelopes or polyester fluff).
Also, given their target markets, brace yourself for sticker shock.

Dan Nachbar