Hydrophobic Silica Aerogels Strengthened with Nonwoven Fibers

Abstract

Hydrophobic silica aerogels were prepared via a sol‐gel process by surface modification at ambient pressure. Nonwoven fibers were distributed inside the silica aerogels as a composite to act as a supporting skeleton which increased the mechanical property of the silica aerogels. The morphology and pore structure of the composites were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and N2 adsorption analyzer. The contact angle and the adsorption capacities of the composites were also determined. The results show that silica aerogels dispersed uniformly and maintained high porosity in the aerogel‐fiber composites. They have excellent hydrophobic properties and are excellent adsorptive materials.