Kitchen experiments with Aerogel: Where to buy

Ideas, thoughts, and resources from the permanently curious.

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I got my aerogel from United Nuclear. The granular form is very cheap compared to the blocks, so work with it if you can. United Nuclear is a bit dicey with supply of the blocks so if they don't have it and you're just looking for a start, try the Zero-G samples. Airglass may be ok too... I haven't heard of their prices though. Businesses will probably want larger quanities so I've listed those. Lastly, serious DIYers (as in, you've considered building a hobby nuclear reactor) will want to check out the last link. Be on the lookout for a rumored instructable too.

Update: AndrewJayPollack commented on gizmodo that solar-components.com will sell you gallon containers of the granular type very cheaply. It looks like 1 gallon is $29+10 shipping, and 5 gallons is $98+20 shipping. That's the best I've seen so far, by far, and it's a simple "Add to Cart" to get it! It's the type Cabot makes (see below). They also do panels which look like pressed granules in several sizes.

Another Update (9/23/2010): Will Walker sends word about BuyAerogel.com, where he is the process engineer (it's hard stuff to make!). They've got a pretty cool selection all in one place. Well worth the visit. Remember, if you buy the Classic Silica buy twice as much as you need. I'm not kidding! You will break one by accident!

BuyAerogel.com, BTW, is connected to Prof. Stephen Steiner's excellent aerogel.org, which delves into far more detail on aerogel than I could possibly share here.

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