Synthesis and Characterization of the Physical, Chemical and Mechanical Properties of Isocyanate-crosslinked Vanadia Aerogels

Author

H. Luo
J. Schnobrich
Sudhir Mulik
Y. Zhang
B. P. Grady
A. Capecelatro
Chariklia Sotiriou-Leventis, Missouri University of Science and TechnologyFollow
Hongbing Lu
Nicholas Leventis, Missouri University of Science and TechnologyFollow
Gitogo Churu
Amala Dass
Eve F. Fabrizio
Abigail Hobbs

Abstract

A strong lightweight material (X-VOx) was formulated by nanocasting a conformal 4 nm thin layer of an isocyanate-derived polymer on the entangled worm-like skeletal framework of typical vanadia aerogels. The mechanical properties were characterized under both quasi-static loading conditions (dynamic mechanical analysis, compression and flexural bending testing) as well as high strain rate loading conditions using a split Hopkinson pressure bar (SHPB). The effects of mass density, moisture concentration and low temperature on the mechanical properties were determined and evaluated. Digital image correlation was used to measure the surface strains through analysis of images acquired by ultra-high speed photography, indicating nearly uniform compression at all stages of deformation during compression. The energy absorption of X-VOx was plotted as a function of the density, strain rate and temperature, and compared with that of plastic foams. X-VOx remains ductile even at −180 °C, a characteristic not found in most materials. This unusual ductility is derived from interlocking and sintering-like fusion of nanoworms during compression. X-VOx emerges as an ideal material for force protection under impact.

Recommended Citation

H. Luo and J. Schnobrich and S. Mulik and Y. Zhang and B. P. Grady and A. Capecelatro and C. Sotiriou-Leventis and H. Lu and N. Leventis and G. Churu and A. Dass and E. F. Fabrizio and A. Hobbs, "Synthesis and Characterization of the Physical, Chemical and Mechanical Properties of Isocyanate-crosslinked Vanadia Aerogels," Journal of Sol-Gel Science and Technology, Springer Verlag, Nov 2008.

The definitive version is available at https://doi.org/10.1007/s10971-008-1788-y

Department(s)

Chemistry

Sponsor(s)

United States. Air Force. Office of Scientific Research
NASA Glenn Research Center
National Science Foundation (U.S.)
University of Missouri Research Board

International Standard Serial Number (ISSN)

0928-0707

Document Type

Article - Journal

Document Version

Citation

File Type

text

Language(s)

English

Rights

© 2008 Springer Verlag, All rights reserved.

Publication Date

01 Nov 2008