A novel thermal insulation material with excellent mechanical properties: Carbon fiber-modified aerogel /cement-based composite material

Abstract

The demand for thermal insulation materials in construction with excellent mechanical properties is increasingly growing. A pivotal challenge in the application of aerogels in construction revolves around the comparatively lower mechanical strength of composites formed. This study aims to develop a novel carbon fiber-modified aerogel/cement-based composite thermal insulation material (CFAC) to considerably enhance both the heat retention capability and structural strength of construction insulation materials. Composite materials incorporating different proportions of carbon fibers were evaluated experimentally in terms of microstructure, thermal insulation performance, and mechanical properties. The experimental findings indicate that the addition of 1 wt% carbon fibers exhibits superior dispersion within the CFAC composite material, refining the pore size distribution of pores above 1 μm. Furthermore, these samples maintain the advantages of lightweight and excellent thermal insulation while increasing compressive strength by over 90 % compared to materials without carbon fibers. CFAC composite materials exhibit excellent thermal insulation and mechanical properties that can effectively reduce energy consumption and enhance material durability. As a result, CFAC composites hold significant potential for various applications in the construction and industrial sectors.