Product Overview of Blueshift Materials: AeroZero® Technology
Blueshift Materials, a cutting-edge material science company, specializes in the development and production of advanced, high-performance materials, particularly their flagship product, AeroZero®. This innovative technology is centered around a unique polyimide aerogel film that combines the benefits of aerogels with the ease of use and mechanical strength of traditional plastic films.
Key Features of AeroZero®
Composition and Structure
- AeroZero® is an 85% porous polyimide aerogel film, produced at a thickness of 165 microns (6.5 mil). This high porosity, often described as “structured air,” results in a material that is incredibly lightweight while retaining significant mechanical strength.
Thermal Protection and Management
Thermal Insulation
- AeroZero® offers exceptional thermal insulation, capable of protecting structures from extreme temperatures ranging from -200 °C to beyond 2400 °C. This makes it ideal for applications in rockets, battery boxes, and other high-temperature environments.
Customizable Thermal Protection Systems (TPS)
- Blueshift’s TPS products can be tailored to fit specific thermal requirements, including multilayer stack-ups and the addition of materials like graphite for enhanced heat spreading.
Electrical and RF Properties
Ultra-Low Dielectric Loss and Constant
- AeroZero® boasts an ultra-low dielectric loss tangent (Df) of 0.0007 – 0.0030 and an ultra-low dielectric constant (Dk) of < 1.40 across the 1 – 50 GHz frequency range. These properties make it highly suitable for high-frequency and high-speed applications, including 5G and IoT products, antennas, and radomes.
Mechanical and Chemical Properties
Mechanical Strength and Flexibility
- Despite being primarily air, AeroZero® exhibits remarkable mechanical strength and flexibility, allowing it to be used in laminate and composite structures. It can be easily bonded to various surfaces such as metals, papers, fabrics, and plastics using a variety of adhesives.
Wide Thermal Stability Window
- The material has a wide thermal stability window of -200 °C to 300 °C, along with high flame and chemical resistance, which are inherent to traditional polyimides.
Application and Integration
Peel-and-Stick Application
- AeroZero® TPS products come with a temperature-resistant, pressure-sensitive adhesive, making them easy to integrate into composite parts. They can be applied after the composite is cured, eliminating concerns about material compatibility during molding.
Custom Prototypes and Multilayer Laminates
- Blueshift offers custom prototype multilayer and multifunctional laminates, allowing for tailored solutions to meet specific application needs. This includes intricate shapes and designs, such as those required for lunar landers.
Market Applications
Aerospace and Defense
- AeroZero® is used in various aerospace and defense applications, including rocket manufacturers, airplane manufacturers, and defense contractors.
Specialty Electronics
- It is also utilized in specialty electronics, such as energy storage systems, batteries, and printed circuit boards.
In summary, Blueshift Materials’ AeroZero® technology represents a significant advancement in material science, offering a unique combination of thermal insulation, ultra-low dielectric properties, mechanical strength, and ease of use. This makes it an invaluable solution for a wide range of applications in aerospace, defense, and specialty electronics.