Iranian Nanotechnology Firm Produces Silica Aerogel Blanket
The product made by ‘Pakan Atieh Nanodanesh’ company is an aerogel blanket made of a silica matrix on a flexible substrate through which the mechanical shortcoming of the mesoporous structure is alleviated.
Application of nanostructures in the aerogel blanket leads to satisfactory dimensional stability, high specific surface area and porosity, comparatively low relative density and thermal conductivity, high transparency, and extremely low dielectric constant.
The silica aerogel blankets can be utilized as thermal insulator in semi-transparent glass and ceilings, catalysts owing to their high specific surface area, hydrophobic characteristic, thermal insulator in the aerospace industry, transportation, industrial equipment and power generation, and fire-resistant components.
In a relevant development in May, the research and development team of a textile plant in Iran had also acquired the technical know-how of producing antibacterial nanofibers and made blankets for airlines that are durable and enjoy antibacterial properties.
“Our company's research and development (R&D) team, by obtaining an exclusive formulation, succeeded in applying nanotechnology in the production of these blankets, and since then, all blanket products have been offered in an antibacterial form with nanotechnology,” said Amin Moqaddam, the managing director of the textile plant.
He explained that by using nanotechnology, the textile company has produced a polyester acrylic blanket that contains active nanoparticles with antibacterial properties. “Due to their high surface-to-volume ratio, these nanoparticles react with bacteria and, by inactivating their vital enzymes, deprive them of the ability to grow and survive. As a result, blankets produced with this technology can prevent the transmission of microorganisms among passengers,” Moqaddam said.
“In addition to its antibacterial properties, the blanket is also highly resistant to fire. This feature is specially crucial in confined and sensitive environments like the aircraft cabins,” he added.
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