Methods and compositions for preparing silica aerogels

Abstract

Cross-linked sol-gel like materials and cross-linked aerogels, as well as methods for making such cross-linked sol-gel like materials and cross-linked aerogels are described.

1 - 6 . (canceled) 
     
     
         7 . A structure comprising a three-dimensional network of linked oxide particles wherein surfaces of the linked oxide particles are cross-linked by a cross-linking agent bound to the linked oxide particles. 
     
     
         8 . The structure of  claim 7 , wherein the oxide particles comprise silica. 
     
     
         9 . The structure of  claim 7 , wherein the oxide particles comprise one or more metal or metalloid oxides. 
     
     
         10 . The structure of  claim 7 , wherein the cross-linking agent comprises an organic cross-linking agent or polymer. 
     
     
         11 . The structure of  claim 7 , wherein the cross-linking agent comprises an inorganic cross-linking agent or polymer. 
     
     
         12 . The structure of  claim 7 , wherein the cross-linking agent is bound through a reaction with a reactive side group of at least an amine, an epoxide, a hydroxyl, an anhydride, an acylhalide, a carboxyl, or a mixture thereof. 
     
     
         13 . A thermal insulating material comprising the structure of  claim 7 . 
     
     
         14 . A structural material comprising the structure of  claim 7 . 
     
     
         15 . A bullet-proof vest, jacket, helmet, heat-resistant clothing article, or other protective clothing article comprising the structure of  claim 7 . 
     
     
         16 . A thin film comprising the structure of  claim 7 . 
     
     
         17 . The structure of  claim 7 , wherein the network of linked oxide particles is an aerogel. 
     
     
         18 . The structure of  claim 7 , wherein the cross-linking agent bound to the linked oxide particles comprises a surface layer on the surfaces of the linked oxide particles.