Investigation of mechanical and thermal behavior of fiber-reinforced silica aerogel composites

Abstract

Abstract Fiber-reinforced silica xerogels are extensively utilized in various applications due to their versatility. This research focuses on examining the influence of silica gel fiber reinforcement on the physical properties of silica xerogel. The investigation encompasses an analysis of the morphology, mechanics, and thermal behavior. Through scanning electron microscopy (SEM), it has been observed that glass fiber exhibits lower adhesion to the xerogel network compared to carbon fiber. The hydrophobicity of the composite silica xerogel, confirmed by Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) analysis, is attributed to the absence of the OH group. When subjected to a strain rate of 48%, the carbon fiber composite demonstrates superior compressive stress endurance compared to the glass fiber composite. Furthermore, the carbon fiber composite experiences a 1% lower weight loss than the glass fiber composite, which enhances its suitability for reinforcing the characteristics of silica xerogel. Consequently, the composite silica aerogel, combining carbon fiber and silica gel, exhibits exceptional compressive strength, low density, and hydrophobic properties.