Biologically Based Fiber-Reinforced/Clay Aerogel Composites

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Ultralow-density clay aerogels are formed via the freeze-drying of clay hydrogels. Although unmodified clay aerogels exhibit generally poor mechanical properties, the incorporation of short-cut natural fibers forms a woven-like structure, which significantly increases the mechanical properties of these materials. Incorporation of a matrix polymer into the aerogel/fiber composites further enhances compressive strengths and moduli. A woven-like structure composed of clay aerogel “warp” and fiber “weft” materials seems to be responsible for the enhancements in the material properties in each case examined.