As a new generation of high-end thermal insulation material, aerogel has become the preferred choice in industries, construction and other fields due to its core characteristics such as ultra-light weight, superior thermal insulation and hydrophobicity. However, there are many counterfeit products shoddying as high-quality ones in the market. Master the following 5 simple identification methods, no professional equipment is needed, and you can quickly avoid scams and hold the bottom line of quality.
1. Weigh the Weight: Ultra-Light Is the Key
Authentic aerogel has an extremely low density, known as “the lightest solid in the world”. A small piece of aerogel the size of a palm feels almost weightless when held in the hand. If it feels heavy, similar in weight to ordinary thermal insulation cotton, it is likely a counterfeit product mixed with cheap materials such as glass wool or rock wool.
2. Check Hydrophobicity: Water-Repellent Is Authentic
High-quality aerogel has super hydrophobic properties. Drop water on the surface, and the water droplets will roll off like they do on lotus leaves, without penetration or adsorption. If water droplets quickly seep into the material, or the material becomes heavy and deformed after absorbing water, it means it is not authentic aerogel.
3. Test Thermal Insulation: Open Flame Test Tells the Truth
Take a small sample, heat one side continuously with a lighter for 10-20 seconds, and touch the other side with your hand. Authentic aerogel has extremely strong thermal insulation performance, and the other side is only slightly warm or even has no temperature. If the other side gets hot quickly, or even has a burning sensation from heat conduction, it is a counterfeit product.
4. Inspect Appearance: Fine Structure Without Impurities
Authentic aerogel is mostly white or light blue porous structure, fluffy and delicate in texture. Uniform nano-scale pores can be seen with the naked eye, without obvious fiber agglomeration or particle impurities. Counterfeit products often appear dark in color, rough in structure, mixed with a lot of glass fibers or foam particles, and feel stiff.
5. Verify Combustibility: Flame-Retardant and Extinguishes Immediately When Away from Fire
Aerogel itself has good flame retardancy. Ignite the sample: authentic aerogel will only slightly carbonize, no open flame spreads, extinguish immediately when away from fire, and no pungent odor. If the sample burns violently with sustained open flame, and also releases black smoke and harmful gases, it must be a counterfeit product.
The core value of aerogel lies in its unique nano-structure and performance. The above 5 methods are simple and easy to operate based on core characteristics. When purchasing, in addition to on-site identification, it is more important to recognize regular brands and test reports. Double protection can help you avoid falling into the trap of counterfeit aerogel.
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