Preparation of fumed silica compacts for thermal insulation using wet processing method

Abstract

AbstractThis paper describes the preparation of fumed silica compacts for thermal insulation, using wet processing method. A series of thermal insulation compacts based on fumed silica powder and glass fibers were prepared. The influence of the mass ratio about fumed silica and glass fibers on the fracture strength and thermal conductivity was investigated. The results showed that the fracture strength increased first and then decreased with the mass ratio increasing. The thermal conductivity decreased linearly with the mass ratio increasing. When the compact was pressed under 6 MPa with a mass ratio of 5:1, it exhibited excellent thermal insulation at room temperature with a thermal conductivity of 0.042W/mK. Moreover, the compact was hydrophobic, after being modified by KH‐570.