Supercritical drying chamber for aerogel production

I built a pressure chamber from 2" pipe fittings and 1/8" brass valves to contain supercritical CO2 for drying applications. One project is to try aerogel production which generally requires that solvent be removed via supercritical drying. Normal evaporation would deform the aerogel structure as the surface tension of the solvent pulls the gel's structure tighter together and makes it dense. Since supercritical fluids have gaseous properties, they can diffuse out through the gel without affecting the structure the way that a liquid would.

Category:

Science & Technology

Tags:

• supercritical drying
• supercritical
• co2
• supercritical co2
• aerogel chamber
• chamber
• aerogel

[pietzeekoe]

is that dry ice at the end?

[bkraz333]

@pietzeekoe Yup!

[gargleful]

Where did you get the liquid co2?

[bkraz333]

@gargleful A local welding supply store. They sell CO2 in tanks with or without siphon tubes.

[mtktm]

what is aerogel?

[bkraz333]

@mtktm I'll take "what are internet search engines" for $500.

[oisiaa]

I'm really looking forward to seeing the aerogel videos.

[dtiydr]

To see if its leaking just put it in water and you would se -exactly- where it leaks. Even small leaks you cant hear would easly been seen in water, just a tip.

Btw just love your vids on doing aerogel tnx!

[budforever442200]

Very cool!! Are you going to try a caffeine extraction from coffee beans? Oh please extract some caffeine from beans! Subscribed.

[smitty3919]

I really like how you check for leaks on your chamber.... good idea

[bogdanbelcea]

What kind of Aerogel will t be ?

[allknighter]

Still, congratulations on your experiment - I hope it goes well!

[allknighter]

Hi! I make aerogels for a living! Did you use aerogel.org for the design of your autoclave? I'm a little concerned about the brass fittings on your reactor - all parts should be rated for 1500 PSI at minimum. Also, you ought to consider adding a pressure gauge and pop-safety valve on your reactor, as the pressure of supercritical CO2 can easily go over the maximum rating of your window. Finally, anyone working with supercritical CO2 NEEDS safety glasses! Respect the pressure!