Low-density Polymer Crosslinked Silica Aerogels

Author

Lynn A. Capadona
Mary Ann B. Meador
Antonella Alunni
Eve F. Fabrizio
Plousia Vassilaras
Nicholas Leventis, Missouri University of Science and TechnologyFollow

Abstract

Polymerization of a di-isocyanate with the amine-modified surface of a sol-gel derived mesoporous silica network crosslinks the nanoparticles of the silica skeleton, and reinforces the otherwise fragile framework. Systematically adjusting the processing variables affecting density produce aerogels whose macroscopic properties could be controlled, and are attributed to changing nanoscale morphology. Aerogels crosslinked using the smallest amount of silica studied exhibit as much as a 40-fold increase in strength over the corresponding non-crosslinked framework, and are flexible.

Recommended Citation

L. A. Capadona et al., "Low-density Polymer Crosslinked Silica Aerogels," Polymer, Elsevier, Jan 2006.

The definitive version is available at https://doi.org/10.1016/j.polymer.2006.05.073

Department(s)

Chemistry

Sponsor(s)

United States. National Aeronautics and Space Administration

International Standard Serial Number (ISSN)

0032-3861

Document Type

Article - Journal

Document Version

Citation

File Type

text

Language(s)

English

Rights

© 2006 Elsevier, All rights reserved.

Publication Date

01 Jan 2006