Lightweight, ultrahigh-strength and flame-retardant cellulose aerogel crosslinked with a reactive P/N-rich curdlan derivative

Abstract

Cellulose aerogel, recognized for its eco-friendliness, bio-sustainability and excellent thermal insulation property, holds immense potential as an insulation material. However, the application of cellulose aerogel has been hindered by its inherent drawbacks, particularly its low strength and flammability. In this study, a reactive P/N-rich curdlan derivative (NT) was synthesized and characterized. Lightweight, ultrahigh-strength and flame-retardant composite aerogels were then prepared by slow freezing, freeze-drying and chemical crosslinking methods. Composite aerogel crosslinked with 30% NT exhibited exceptional thermal insulation property with a low thermal conductivity of 33.9 mW/(m·K), which rivaled the value of petroleum-based thermal insulation materials. It possessed an ultrahigh compressive modulus (0.786 MPa) at low density (21.6 mg/cm3), which supported >12,000 times its weight. It also displayed superior flame-retardant property, with a limiting oxygen index of up to 33.1% and a V-0 rating in the UL-94 test. This study provides a new insight into the high-value utilization of natural polysaccharide and an innovative solution to the problem of low strength and flammability of cellulose aerogel. Cellulose aerogels with ultrahigh strength, superior flame retardancy and thermal insulation property possess a promising application in the fields of construction, aerospace and thermal protective clothing as high-performance thermal insulation materials.