Work

High-efficiency thermal insulation materials optimization of Al2O3f@Al2O3/RF/SiO2

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Due to the urgent need for high-efficiency thermal-insulating materials with excellent thermal and mechanical stability at high temperatures in aerospace, this study addressed the insufficient structural and mechanical properties of RF/SiO 2 aerogels under high-temperature conditions. We innovatively introduced Al 2 O 3 into the aerogel matrix via aluminum isopropoxide hydrolysis to construct an Al 2 O 3 /RF/SiO 2 modified matrix, which was then combined with alumina fiber felt (Al 2 O 3 f) to create Al 2 O 3 f@Al 2 O 3 /RF/SiO 2 . Based on this, aluminum content effects on aerogel pore structure evolution, thermal stability, insulation regulation, and composite mechanical enhancement were studied. Al 2 O 3 improved aerogel thermal stability and strength. At Al/Si = 1.0:3.5, the aerogel had 90.47 m 2 /g surface area and 0.0388 W/(m·K) conductivity, from nanoporous tortuous pores. Thermal treatments showed alumina prevented pore collapse, preserving porosity. Alumina fibers increased composite compressive strength by 40 %, enhancing mechanics. At 400 °C, composite cold surface temperature was 88 °C, 4.3 % lower than unreinforced systems, demonstrating excellent insulation. In summary, this study successfully prepared Al 2 O 3 f@Al 2 O 3 /RF/SiO 2 , significantly enhancing its thermal insulation and mechanical properties at high temperatures. In the future, it is expected to further optimize the material formulation and preparation process, expand the application of this composite in more high-temperature fields, and provide stronger material support for the development of related industries.

Source: Journal of Materials Research and Technology

DOI: 10.1016/j.jmrt.2025.09.005