THERMAL INSULATOR AND METHOD OF MANUFACTURING THE SAME

摘要

A thermal insulator with both excellent heat insulation and strength and a method of manufacturing the thermal insulator are provided. A thermal insulator according to the present invention includes metal oxide fine particles with an average particle diameter equal to or smaller than 50 nm and a reinforcing fiber, wherein the thermal insulator has a bridge structure between the metal oxide fine particles which is formed by elution of part of the metal oxide fine particles. A method of manufacturing a thermal insulator according to the present invention includes a curing step of curing a dry pressed compact including metal oxide fine particles with an average particle diameter equal to or smaller than 50 nm and a reinforcing fiber under a pressurized vapor saturated atmosphere at a temperature equal to or higher than 100° C. for four hours and a drying step of drying the cured dry pressed compact.