Harnessing the Flexibility of Lightweight Cellulose Nanofiber Composite Aerogels for Superior Thermal Insulation and Fire Protection

• DOI: 10.1021/acsami.4c01803
• Publication Date: 2024-04-01T20:25:30Z
• Authors: Shakshi Bhardwaj; Shiva Singh; Keshav Dev; Monika Chhajed; Pradip K. Maji
• Keywords: Nanocellulose; Ammonium polyphosphate; Nanomaterials

Thermally insulating materials from renewable and readily available resources are in high demand for ecologically beneficial applications. Cellulose aerogels made lignocellulosic waste have various advantages. However, they fragile breakable when bent or compressed. In addition, cellulose flammable weather-sensitive. Hence, to overcome these problems, this work included the preparation of polyurethane (PU)-based nanofiber (CNF) that had flexibility, flame retardancy, thermal insulation. Methyl trimethoxysilane (MTMS) water-soluble ammonium polyphosphate (APP) were added improve cross-linking, hydrophobicity, flame-retardant properties aerogels. The flexibility chemically cross-linked CNF is enhanced through incorporation via wet coagulating process. obtained during study exhibited low weight (density: 35.3–91.96 kg/m3) together with hydrophobic properties, decreased conductivity (26.7–36.7 mW/m K at 25 °C). Additionally, comprehensively examined underlying mechanism was deduced. prepared considered unique nanocellulose aerogel category due their integrated structural performance benefits. invention substantially contribute large-scale manufacture use insulation construction, automobiles, aerospace.