Fabrication of robust and superinsulating polystyrene-fortified silica aerogels via π–π interactions: Beyond styrofoam

• Published in: European polymer journal 2023-11, Vol.200, p.112476, Article 112476
• Main Authors: Kim, Byeong Seok, Choi, JinKyu, Min, Kyung Hoon, Choi, Haryeong, Park, Hyung-Ho, Baeck, Sung-Hyeon, Shim, Sang Eun, Qian, Yingjie
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Aerogel; Mechanical property; Polymerized precursor; Styrene; Thermal insulation; π–π interaction
• ISSN: 0014-3057; 1873-1945
• DOI: 10.1016/j.eurpolymj.2023.112476

[Display omitted] •Polystyrene-fortified silica aerogel monoliths were fabricated for the first time.•The relationship between the π–π interaction and mechanical properties of aerogels was elucidated.•Aerogel containing 15 mol% phenyl groups exhibited six-times higher elastic modulus than those without the phenyl groups (from 4.86 to 29.35 MPa) while maintaining superinsulating performance (19.4 mW m−1K−1). The development of aerogel as thermally-insulating materials has been a challenge due to the intrinsic brittleness of aerogels despite of extremely low thermal conductivity. In this study, we present a novel strategy for enhancing the mechanical properties of aerogels by incorporating styrene through copolymerization with vinyldimethoxymethylsilane (VMDMS). The resulting polystyrene-containing aerogels exhibit significantly higher elastic moduli (29.35 MPa) compared to aerogels without polystyrene (4.86 MPa), while maintaining a low thermal conductivity (19.4 mW m–1 K−1). The use of polystyrene introduces π-π interactions and additional van der Waals forces, leading to a more robust material by inducing morphological change during sol–gel process. This study demonstrates the potential of fabricating polymer-silica hybrid aerogels with improved mechanical properties and thermal insulation through simple copolymerization. Our findings have implications for the development of construction materials with improved efficiency and productivity, and our paper contributes to the field of materials science and its application in various fields demanding high insulating properties.