Preparation of Silica Aerogels Modified Foamed Polypropylene for Thermal Insulating Applications

Abstract

The foamed polypropylene (PP) with excellent thermal insulating property was prepared by using the nanosilica (SiO2) aerogels as nucleators, followed by mould pressing foam in cross-link. The weight ratio of SiO2/ PP, which was at the range of 0~ 2%, significantly affected the morphology and thermal insulating properties of the foamed PP. The results showed that the foamed PP can get excellent properties when the weight contents of SiO2aerogels was 1 %. The foamed PP with low density as 0.43 g/cm3and thermal conductivities at the range of 0.046~0.507 W.(m.K-1) was obtained by using this method.