Abstract
The present review focuses on synergistic effectsof silica aerogels/xerogels on properties of polymer composites. In first part of the review, synthesis of silica aerogels/xerogels from inexpensive silica precursors in addition to silicon alkoxides is explained in detail. The promising properties such as highly porous structure, low density, high thermal stability, low thermal conductivity and acoustic velocity, and controllable hydrophobicity of silica aerogels/xerogels and their applications are enlarged upon. In other part of the review, enhanced properties of various polymer composites are summarized in the presence of silica aerogel/xerogel as filler. The significant improvements in thermal and sound insulation performance, physicomechanical properties and service life under harsh environmental conditions of polymer composites including silica aerogel/xerogel are represented. The desirable properties of the polymer composites extend potential high technology applications of these materials.
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