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HNTs/SiO2 dual-network aerogels with improved strength and thermal insulation

  • Original Paper: Nano- and macroporous materials (aerogels, xerogels, cryogels, etc.)
  • Published:
Journal of Sol-Gel Science and Technology Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Dual-network aerogels (HPSA) with improved mechanical property and thermal insulation were prepared by vacuum impregnation of HNTs/PVA aerogels (the first network aerogel, HPA) in tetraethoxysilane (TEOS). Scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, energy dispersive spectroscopy, and N2 adsorption–desorption analysis were used to study micromorphology and microstructure of HPSA, while compression tests and thermal conductivity tests were used to investigate related properties. The results showed that the dual-network frame was successfully constructed, this enabled HPSA to display enhanced compressive properties with increased HNTs content. The addition of silica sol improved the mesoporous characteristics including specific surface area and pore volume and also reduced the thermal conductivities. The first network made it possible for HPSA to possess good mechanical property, while SiO2 aerogel allowed HPSA greater thermal insulation. The obtained aerogel samples exhibited a high compressive strength (i.e., 1.36 MPa) and a low thermal conductivity (i.e., 0.022 W/(m K)). HNTs/SiO2 dual-network aerogels with improved strength and thermal insulation could show great potential in a wide variety of applications.

Highlights

  • Novel HNTs/SiO2 dual-network aerogels were successfully prepared through cheap raw materials.

  • The effects of HNTs content on the compressive strength and SiO2 content on the thermal conductivity of aerogels were studied.

  • The effects of dual-network frame on compressive strength and thermal conduction of aerogels were analyzed in detail by models.

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Acknowledgements

This work was financially supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (Nos. 51772202 and 51472175).

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. School of Materials Science and Engineering, Tianjin Chengjian University, 26 Jinjing Road, Tianjin, 300384, China

    Hongli Liu, Shixiong Li, Hongyan Li, Jing Li & Yajing Li

  2. School of Materials Science and Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, 50 Nanyang Avenue, Singapore, 639798, Singapore

    Zhong Chen

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  1. Hongli Liu
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  2. Shixiong Li
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Correspondence to Hongli Liu.

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Liu, H., Li, S., Li, H. et al. HNTs/SiO2 dual-network aerogels with improved strength and thermal insulation. J Sol-Gel Sci Technol 88, 519–527 (2018). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10971-018-4851-3

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10971-018-4851-3

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