# aerogel

> synthetic ultralight material

**Wikidata**: [Q381490](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q381490)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aerogel)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/aerogel

## Summary
Aerogel is a synthetic ultralight material classified as a type of gel. It is one of the least dense solid materials ever created, with a composition that combines gel properties with exceptional lightweight characteristics.

## Key Facts
- Invented in 1931 by Steven Kistler
- Classified as an ultralight material and a subclass of gel
- GND identifier: 4124525-8
- IUPAC Gold Book identifier: A00173
- Has 59 site links across Wikipedia projects
- Related to aerographene, the least dense solid material
- YSO identifier: 38027
- Featured in multiple languages on Wikipedia

## FAQs
### Q: What is aerogel made of?
A: Aerogel is a synthetic ultralight material that belongs to the gel class. It is composed of a substantially dilute cross-linked system that exhibits no flow when in a steady-state, giving it solid properties while remaining extremely lightweight.

### Q: When was aerogel invented?
A: Aerogel was invented in 1931 by Steven Kistler. This discovery marked the beginning of research into these unique ultralight materials.

### Q: How does aerogel differ from regular gel?
A: While both are gel materials, aerogel is specifically classified as an ultralight material, whereas regular gels can have properties ranging from soft and weak to hard and tough. Aerogel maintains a solid structure with no flow in steady-state while being significantly less dense than traditional gels.

### Q: What makes aerogel unique compared to other materials?
A: Aerogel is distinguished as one of the least dense solid materials, related to aerographene which holds the title of the least dense solid material known. It combines the properties of gels with exceptional ultralight characteristics.

## Why It Matters
Aerogel matters because it represents an important advancement in material science with applications across numerous fields. As one of the least dense solid materials, it offers unique thermal insulation properties that make it valuable for aerospace, construction, and energy efficiency applications. Its ultralight nature allows for significant weight reduction in various products without compromising structural integrity. Additionally, its discovery in 1931 by Steven Kistler opened new avenues for research into specialized materials with exceptional properties. Aerogels have found use in scientific instrumentation, environmental remediation, and even art preservation, demonstrating their versatility.

## Notable For
- Being related to aerographene, the least dense solid material
- Invented by Steven Kistler in 1931 as a pioneering synthetic ultralight material
- Recognized in the IUPAC Gold Book with ID A00173
- Having a unique composition as a substantially dilute cross-linked system that exhibits no flow when in a steady-state
- Having 59 site links across Wikipedia projects, indicating widespread documentation and significance

## Body
### Classification and Properties
Aerogel is classified as an ultralight material and a subclass of gel. It is a synthetic material with properties that make it distinct from other gel materials. Its composition consists of a substantially dilute cross-linked system that exhibits no flow when in a steady-state.

### Discovery and History
Aerogel was discovered in 1931 by Steven Kistler. This invention marked a significant advancement in material science, introducing a new class of ultralight materials with unique properties. The material was created through a process that allowed it to maintain its gel-like structure while achieving exceptional lightweight characteristics.

### Technical Identification
Aerogel has several unique identifiers across various databases and catalogs:
- GND identifier: 4124525-8
- IUPAC Gold Book identifier: A00173
- YSO identifier: 38027
- Wikipedia title: Aerogel
- Commons category: Aerogel
- Site link count: 59 across Wikipedia projects

### Related Materials
Aerogel is related to aerographene, which holds the distinction of being the least dense solid material. Both materials represent the cutting edge of ultralight material technology, though aerogel has a broader classification within the gel family.

## References

1. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
2. YSO-Wikidata mapping project
3. [archINFORM](https://www.archinform.net/service/wd_aistich.php)
4. [OpenAlex](https://docs.openalex.org/download-snapshot/snapshot-data-format)