Advanced Aerogel Materials for Heat and Fire Insulation
Researchers at the Hefei Institutes of Physical Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, have developed cutting-edge aerogel materials offering superior heat resistance, mechanical strength, and thermal insulation. Published in ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces, this breakthrough addresses the limitations of traditional aerogels, such as brittleness and low-temperature tolerance, a unique advanced Aerogel Material for Heat and Fire Insulation solutions.
Enhanced One-Dimensional Aerogels
By incorporating ZrO₂ crystalline phases into one-dimensional SiO₂ fibers, the team boosted temperature resistance and structural integrity. The enhanced aerogel exhibits:
- Thermal conductivity of 0.092 W/m·K
- Elastic strain above 80%
- Compressive strength of 389 kPa
- Stability across temperatures from -196°C to 1,300°C
These advancements make it ideal for extreme environments requiring durability and insulation.
Innovations in Two-Dimensional and Biomass Aerogels
The team further advanced their research by creating two-dimensional aerogels using montmorillonite nanosheets and hydroxyapatite nanowires. These innovative materials exhibited outstanding thermal insulation, remarkable flame retardancy, and an impressive compression modulus of 80 MPa.
Moreover, in their commitment to sustainability, the researchers developed biomass aerogels. Among these, sodium alginate aerogels stood out, capable of supporting 2,600 times their own weight while showcasing exceptional flame-retardant and self-extinguishing properties.
Applications and Impact
This research significantly advances insulation technology, with potential applications spanning aerospace, construction, and various industrial settings. Furthermore, the materials’ unique balance of high performance and sustainability creates new opportunities for developing safer and more efficient thermal control solutions.
More Information on Advanced Aerogel Materials for Heat and Fire Insulation
Yang Chen et al., “Interpenetrated Multinetwork Hybrid Aerogels,” ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces (2024).
DOI: 10.1021/acsami.4c08796
