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Robust Silica-Cellulose Composite Aerogels with a Nanoscale Interpenetrating Network Structure Prepared Using a Streamlined Process
- Source :
- Polymers, Vol 12, Iss 4, p 807 (2020)
- Publication Year :
- 2020
- Publisher :
- MDPI AG, 2020.
-
Abstract
- Silica aerogels can be strengthened by forming a nanoscale interpenetrating network (IPN) comprising a silica gel skeleton and a cellulose nanofiber network. Previous studies have demonstrated the effectiveness of this method for improving the mechanical properties and drying of aerogels. However, the preparation process is generally tedious and time-consuming. This study aims to streamline the preparation process of these composite aerogels. Silica alcosols were directly diffused into cellulose wet gels with loose, web-like microstructures, and an IPN structure was gradually formed by regulating the gelation rate. Supercritical CO2 drying followed to obtain composite aerogels. The mechanical properties were further enhanced by a simple secondary regulation process that increased the quantity of bacterial cellulose (BC) nanofibers per unit volume of the matrix. This led to the production of aerogels with excellent bendability and a high tensile strength. A maximum breaking stress and tensile modulus of 3.06 MPa and 46.07 MPa, respectively, were achieved. This method can be implemented to produce robust and bendable silica-based composite aerogels (CAs).
Details
- Language :
- English
- ISSN :
- 20734360
- Volume :
- 12
- Issue :
- 4
- Database :
- Directory of Open Access Journals
- Journal :
- Polymers
- Publication Type :
- Academic Journal
- Accession number :
- edsdoj.f11f957183414b7586d07da5fffc3b21
- Document Type :
- article
- Full Text :
- https://doi.org/10.3390/polym12040807