NASA Aerogel Lecture Series
We are delighted to welcome you to the NASA Aerogel Lecture Series, a platform dedicated to exploring the forefront of aerogel research and its groundbreaking applications.
Hosted by Dr. Sadeq Malakooti from the Materials and Structures Division at the NASA Glenn Research Center, the Aerogel Lecture Series unveils the extraordinary potential of aerogels—a class of highly porous solid materials derived from a gel in which the liquid is replaced by gas while maintaining the self-assembled three-dimensional structure.
Their typical properties are high porosity (> 90 %), nano-scale pore sizes (10-40 nm), low density (0.05-0.2 g/cm3), large internal surface areas (400 – 850 m2/g), low thermal conductivity (~20mW/m∙K), low dielectric (1.1), and low refractive index (1.02-1.09).
Upcoming Lectures
Aerogel Research Highlights from LLNL
Date: Thursday, August 14, 2025, at 11 a.m. ET
Location: Virtually via Microsoft Teams.
Speaker: Dr. Marcus A. Worsley, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, Livermore, CA, USA
Registration is required to attend. Event link will be included in the registration email.
As we delve deeper into this series, we will uncover the latest advancements in aerogel research. From novel materials and manufacturing breakthroughs to the challenges that lie ahead, we are at the precipice of a new era in material science. Join us as we explore how aerogels are poised to shape the future—both here on Earth and beyond.
Whether you are a seasoned professional, a curious student, or simply intrigued by the potential of aerogels, this series offers a unique opportunity to expand your knowledge and spark new ideas.
Together, let’s embark on a journey through the captivating world of aerogels—a journey that promises to inspire, innovate, and redefine what is possible.
Previous Lectures
Lecture 3: Dr. Tatiana Budtova (MINES ParisTech), Bio-aerogels: materials born in the 21st century, May 15, 2025
Lecture 2: Dr. Nicholas Leventis (Aspen Aerogels Inc.), Polymer-Crosslinked Aerogels: Materials and Applications Inspired Thereof, February 13, 2025
Lecture 1: Dr. Stephanie Vivod (NASA GRC), Expanding the Horizons of Polymer Aerogels, November 14, 2024
More Information
Technical Publications
- Malakooti et al., Space environment exposure effects on polyimide aerogels, Polymer Degradation and Stability (2025)
- Meador et al., Aerogels from engineering polymers: polyimide and polyamide aerogels, in Springer Handbook of Aerogels (2023)
- Malakooti et al., Polyimide aerogels for ballistic impact protection, Scientific Reports (2022)