Aerogels by them selves are hydrophilic, and when they soak up dampness they typically go through a structural change, like contraction, and deteriorate, but degradation might be prevented by building them hydrophobic, by means of a chemical treatment. Comparison of aerogel fabrication tactics showing regular transitions into an aerogel: (a) https://glasslinedpipesuppliers59258.ltfblog.com/32592151/new-step-by-step-map-for-spherical-tungsten-powder