Preparation and Characterization of Silica Aerogels/Glass Wool Composites

Abstract

Using industrial water glass as silica source, silica aerogel/glass wool composite heat insulation materials were prepared through the gel moulding, surface modification and ambient pressure drying method. The microstructure and porous characteristics of the silica aerogel/glass wool composites were studied by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and BET nitrogen adsorption-desorption method. The thermal conductivity of silica aerogel/glass wool composites was measured by the thermal conductivity measurement instrument. The results indicate that the as-prepared silica aerogel/glass wool composites exhibit strong hydrophobicity and excellent thermal insulation performance. The thermal conductivity of the obtained silica aerogel/glass wool composites is 1.1×10-2～2.0 W∙m-1∙K-1, and with the increasing of aerogels content, the thermal conductivity of the composites could be decreased further.