Scott+M14

**AEROGEL AND HOW IT REACTS TO DIFFERENT LIQUIDS**
Scott M. 2013-2014

**ABSTRACT**
The purpose of this experiment was to test if carbonated drinks were repelled by an Aerogel layer or if they would get through the Aerogel layer. Aerogel is a material that can block water from penetrating surfaces – it is hydrophobic. Aerogel is also used as an insulator that can withstand very intense heat and that can help a house or a building a certain temperature. In these experiments, a pencil was dipped into a container of Aerogel for 15 seconds to coat it. The Aerogel coated pencil was dipped in various liquids for 45 seconds. After the pencil was dipped in the various liquids, the Aerogel and liquid were wiped off onto a paper towel and then weighed on a triple beam balance to determine how much liquid permeated the Aerogel. It was determined that the carbonated drinks were able to penetrate the Aerogel and make the paper towel weigh more than with the water.

EXPERIMENTAL IMPROVEMENTS AND FUTURE ** EXPERIMENTS **
An improvement that could be done to my experiment is using a more precise liquid measurements like a graduated cylinder. Another improvement that could be done is using a wider range of carbonated beverages. Some experiments could be done in the future to determine if Aerogel could be used to prevent stains from liquids on household materials, like carpet, upholstery, or clothing.

To read the complete ISP Paper for this experiment, click on the PDF file link below.