In accordance with the present invention, compositions and methods are provided
in which the mechanical strength and durability of a precursor material having
a plurality of pores is increased by a) providing a precursor material; b) treating
the precursor material to form a nanoporous aerogel, preferably by using a supercritical
drying process; c) providing a blending material having a reinforcing component
and a volatile component; d) combining the nanoporous aerogel and the blending
material to form an amalgamation layer; and e) treating the amalgamation layer
to increase the mechanical strength of the layer by a substantial amount and to
ultimately form a low dielectric material that can be utilized in various applications.
