Mechanical and Adiabatic Properties of Silica Aerogel Doped with TiO<sub>2</sub> Nanowire

Abstract

A novel silica aerogel insulation composite was prepared by using TiO2 nanowires as modifier via sol-gel processing and supercritical drying methods in order to address issues of the poor mechanical and the infrared shading performance of silica aerogel. The effects of TiO2 nanowire content on the mechanical and adiabatic performance were investigated by X-Ray diffraction (XRD), nitrogen adsorption (BET), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), static compression test and thermal analysis. The results show that TiO2 nanowire reinforced aerogels had great thermal insulation properties, while high surface area, low density and mechanical strength were retained.