Patent ID: 6090861
Filing Date: 2000-07-18
Classification: C08J

Abstract:
A process for producing organic aerogels comprising the steps of:(a.) forming a solution comprising a predetermined amount of organic aerogel precursor chemicals, a predetermined amount of polymerization promoting catalyst, and an organic solvent;(b.) adding said solution to a closed mold which confines the physical expansion of the solution;(c.) heating said mold sufficiently to cause said solution to form a stable gel, and, thereafter, to cause said organic solvent of said solution to reach approximately supercritical condition; and,(d.) venting said mold under approximately supercritical conditions in order to extract said organic solvent from the pores of said gel;whereby the organic liquid solvent in which the gel is immersed, and which has completely filled the pores of said gel, is extracted under approximately supercritical conditions, without the need to first exchange said organic liquid solvent with an alternate liquid which has a lower supercritical temperature.