Mechanical Strength Properties Research Articles

Effect of DMSO and Triacetin Solvents on Polyvinylidene Fluoride Polymorphs: Molecular Dynamics Simulations

In this article, molecular dynamics simulations are performed to investigate the interaction between polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) polymorphs (β phase has more properties compared with α, such as polarity, higher mechanical strength, and piezoelectric, ferroelectric, and pyroelectric properties), and two solvents, dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) and glyceryl triacetate (GTA). Pure solvent boxes are built using two force fields (Compass and Dreiding) to study the stabilization of their density and solubility, which are used with the PVDF surfaces (for each solvent, computations are performed using two surfaces α and β). According to the radial distribution function results, DMSO shows a stronger interaction with two PVDF phases, allowing it to orient chains from the α phase to the β phase, while GTA exhibits a weaker interaction due to specific hydrogen bonds. These findings are confirmed by the experiment, where the fraction F(β) reaches 62% when using DMSO, while it is 36% when using GTA.

A novel BSA-coated nano selenium-impregnated scaffold showed improved strength, cellular attachment and proliferation in C2C12 cell

This study aims to develop scaffolds (CCS, CCS-SeNPs, CCS-SA-SeNPs, and CCS-PET-SeNPs) with enhanced mechanical strength, thermal stability, and antioxidant properties to improve cell attachment and proliferation of the C2C12 cell line for cardiac health applications. Collagen and chitosan are popular biopolymers in tissue engineering for their biocompatibility, biodegradability, and support for cell growth. Selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs) are incorporated into scaffolds for their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties, which enhance tissue regeneration. Sodium alginate and pectin, natural polysaccharides, further modify these scaffolds to improve structural and functional properties. Developing these composite scaffolds aims to optimize biomaterial performance in regenerative medicine. In the present study, various types of scaffolds (CCS, CCS-SeNPs, CCS-SA-SeNPs, and CCS-PET-SeNPs scaffolds) were prepared and characterized using X-ray diffraction (XRD), Scanning Electron Microscopy with Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (SEM-EDX), and Thermo-Gravimetric Analysis (TGA). The XRD data revealed that all the scaffolds (CCS, CCS-SeNPs, CCS-SA-SeNPs, and CCS-PET-SeNPs) displayed an amorphous structure. SEM analysis demonstrated that the CCS and CCS-SA-SeNPs scaffolds exhibit solid-walled metrics and a smooth surface. EDX confirmed the homogeneous Se distribution within the scaffolds. The tensile strength of CCS, CCS-SeNPs, CCS-SA-SeNPs, and CCS-PET-SeNPs scaffolds was found to be 5.15 N, 4.77 N, 4.05 N, and 4.01 N, respectively. Thermal stability assessments showed that CCS-SeNPs, CCS-SA-SeNPs and CCS-PET-SeNPs scaffolds displayed good thermal stability, with maximum decomposition occurring at 250 °C. Furthermore, the CCS-SeNPs, CCS-SA-SeNPs, and CCS-PET-SeNPs scaffolds showed notable antioxidant activity of ∼ 57 %, compared to the CCS scaffold’s 42 %. Morphological studies of C2C12 cells on these scaffolds showed better proliferation on SeNPs-enhanced scaffolds. Nucleus morphology remained unchanged, indicating no adverse effects from SeNPs. The results indicate that the scaffolds (CCS, CCS-SeNPs, CCS-SA-SeNPs, and CCS-PET-SeNPs) demonstrate notable enhancements in mechanical strength, thermal stability, and antioxidant efficacy. These advancements are anticipated to promote enhanced cell adhesion and proliferation of the C2C12 cell line, thereby emphasizing their potential utility in cardiac health applications.

Development of bilayer tissue-engineered scaffolds: combination of 3D printing and electrospinning methodologies

Although different fabrication methods and biomaterials are used in scaffold development, hydrogels and electrospun materials that provide the closest environment to the extracellular matrix have recently attracted considerable interest in tissue engineering applications. However, some of the limitations encountered in the application of these methods alone in scaffold fabrication have increased the tendency to use these methods together. In this study, a bilayer scaffold was developed using 3D-printed gelatin methacryloyl (GelMA) hydrogel containing ciprofloxacin (CIP) and electrospun polycaprolactone (PCL)-collagen (COL) patches. The bilayer scaffolds were characterized in terms of chemical, morphological, mechanical, swelling, and degradation properties; drug release, antibacterial properties, and cytocompatibility of the scaffolds were also studied. In conclusion, bilayer GelMA-CIP/PCL-COL scaffolds, which exhibit sufficient porosity, mechanical strength, and antibacterial properties and also support cell growth, are promising potential substitutes in tissue engineering applications.

Carbonation behavior of solidified/stabilized cadmium in phosphogypsum slag-based cementitious materials

To explore the enduring durability of the solidified matrix comprising phosphogypsum slag-based cementitious material (PSC) in a carbonization environment, the carbonization behavior of cadmium (Cd) solidified within an accelerated carbonization environment was examined. The carbonation depth, mechanical strength, and Cd leaching properties of PSC matrices doped with varying Cd2+ concentrations (ranging from 0 % to 1 % by weight) are analyzed. The impact of carbonation on Cd stabilization in the PSC matrix is examined using techniques including XRD, TGA, FTIR, XPS NMR, MIP, and SEM-EDS. The findings indicate a decrease in strength of PSC after carbonation; however, matrices containing Cd exhibit lower strength loss compared to those without heavy metals. The concentration of leached Cd2+ from the matrices increases from 0.134 μg/L to 4.4274 μg/L, but remains below the safety limits. During the crystallization process, Cd2+ are stabilized by ettringite (AFt) and calcium silicate hydrate (C-S-H) through the ion exchange with Ca2+, contributing to the strength and stability of the matrix under carbonation conditions.

Nanocellulose: The Ultimate Green Aqueous Dispersant for Nanomaterials.

Nanocellulose, a nanoscale derivative from renewable biomass sources, possesses remarkable colloidal properties in water, mechanical strength, and biocompatibility. It emerges as a promising bio-based dispersing agent for various nanomaterials in water. This mini-review explores the interaction between cellulose nanomaterials (nanocrystals or nanofibers) and water, elucidating how this may enable their potential as an eco-friendly dispersing agent. We explore the potential of nanocellulose derived from top-down processes, nanocrystals, and nanofibers for dispersing carbon nanomaterials, semiconducting oxide nanoparticles, and other nanomaterials in water. We also highlight its advantages over traditional methods by not only effectively dispersing those nanomaterials but also potentially eliminating the need for further chemical treatments or supporting stabilizers. This not only preserves the exceptional properties of nanomaterials in aqueous dispersion, but may even lead to the emergence of novel hybrid functionalities. Overall, this mini-review underscores the remarkable versatility of nanocellulose as a green dispersing agent for a variety of nanomaterials, inspiring further research to expand its potential to other nanomaterials and applications.

Fracture Model of Al–Cu Alloys with Gradient Crystals Based on Crystal Plasticity

Gradient grain structure materials with superior mechanical properties of high strength and high toughness have attracted widespread attention. Gradient materials can effectively improve toughness by constructing a microstructure from fine to coarse crystals inside the material, which has gradually become a hotspot of attention in the academic and engineering communities. In this paper, based on the crystal plasticity intrinsic theory, dislocation density is introduced as a characterization quantity, and cohesive units are added at grain boundaries to simulate damage fractures. The results of this study reveal the fracture damage mechanism of gradient crystal structure materials, providing new ideas and methods for the design of gradient materials.

Development of apple pectin/soy protein isolate-based edible films containing punicalagin for strawberry preservation

In this study, we developed punicalagin-loaded antimicrobial films based on soy protein isolate (SPI) and apple pectin (AP). The AP was derived from apple pomace waste while the punicalagin was obtained from pomegranate peel. Punicalagin was identified to exist in both α- and β-isomers, with the β-type being predominant. The composite films were characterized using scanning electron microscopy, Fourier transformed infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, and thermogravimetric analysis. Our results demonstrated that the incorporation of AP significantly enhanced the mechanical strength, heat resistance, and barrier properties of the films. Moreover, the composite films integrated with punicalagin exhibited excellent antimicrobial activities against Staphylococcus aureus (with a minimum bactericidal concentration value of 0.25 %), Escherichia coli (with a minimum bactericidal concentration value of 0.50 %), and Aspergillus niger. Finally, these antimicrobial film solutions were tested as coatings on strawberries and found to have significantly better effects on reducing weight loss, improving shelf-life, and maintaining the freshness of strawberries compared to coatings without punicalagin. The results indicate that antimicrobial coatings loaded with punicalagin hold great promise as multifunctional active packaging materials for fruit preservation.

A fast method to prepare highly isotropic and optically adjustable transparent wood-based composites based on interface optimization

The production design of transparent materials using wood flour as the substrate aims to improve the value-added utilization rate of waste wood, and explore the preparation process of energy-saving building materials. This paper reports a rapid method for the preparation of transparent wood-based composites (TW-OTS) with high isotropy and optical adjustability, which changes the high energy consumption of bleaching wood flour in the past. Using the fluffy and porous structure of wood flour, the wood flour was bleached by hydrogen peroxide drop coating method assisted with ultraviolet light, and then hydrophobicized and impregnated with epoxy resin. The interfacial bonding and optimization mechanism of organic polymer Octadecyl trichlorosilane (OTS), wood fiber and resin at the micro scale were systematically studied in order to improve the optical parameters, mechanical strength and thermal properties of the composites, so as to balance the relationship between the structure and properties. TW-OTS based on interface optimization has excellent transmittance (80.1 %), thermal insulation performance, mechanical strength, and biocompatibility. If 1 % chitosan is added to the resin, the antibacterial properties of the sample can be added. This material can be used in energy-saving building windows, medical equipment, ecological home products, and other fields.

Non-covalently crosslinked networks MXene-doped poly(eutectic) conductive elastomers with antimicrobial, self-healing, tunable mechanical properties, and wide temperature durability

Poly(eutectic) elastomers, as an emerging category of flexible electronic materials, have garnered growing interest for their cost-effectiveness, non-volatility, and biocompatibility. Nonetheless, they encounter challenges including limited functionalities, sensitivity, durability, and mechanical properties. This study involved synthesizing various MXene-doped poly(eutectic) elastomers using robust acrylamide and soft acrylic acid as organic monomers, minor MXene nanosheets as inorganic fillers and physical crosslinkers, and a rapid in-situ photopolymerization method within 2 min. Owing to the synergistic effect of thermodynamic self-assembly, high-density hydrogen bonding, and cation-dipole interactions in the matrix networks, the resulting non-covalently crosslinked elastomers exhibited remarkable mechanical strength (up to ∼ 16.2 MPa) and impressive tensile properties (nearly 700 %), along with rapid electrical self-healing (within 0.046 s) and the ability to withstand loads up to 2500 times their weight following self-healing without fracturing. Notably, these elastomers also demonstrated excellent microstrain (1 %–10 %) sensitivity with a gauge factor of 2.02, wide temperature tolerance (−20 °C ∼ 60 °C), outstanding harsh temperature durability (−20 °C) exceeding 22,000 cycles, and antibacterial properties. Furthermore, these elastomers-assembled strain sensors displayed real-time and rapid response in human motion detection and wireless signal transmission, presenting a promising approach for designing functionally integrated elastomeric materials.

Change in Microstructure, Mechanical Strength, Fire Resistance, and Radiation Attenuation Properties of Gypsum Plaster with Boric Acid

AbstractIn this study, the effect of boric acid addition on the microstructure of gypsum plaster was investigated to determine an environmentally friendly gypsum additive that may enhance mechanical strength, fire resistance, and X-ray radiation attenuation properties. The mechanical strengths of bare gypsum and boric acid-added (0–0.5% by weight with respect to gypsum amount) gypsum plasters were evaluated in terms of compressive and bending strengths. The effects of the different addition procedures of boric acid (0.1% by wt.) on the fire resistance of the gypsum plasterboard were also evaluated. X-ray radiation attenuation properties of boric acid-added (0.1% by wt.) gypsum plasterboard were investigated as well. XRD, ATR-FTIR, Helium pycnometer, N2 adsorption–desorption, and SEM analysis were performed to determine the microstructural properties of gypsum plaster. XRD and ATR-FTIR analysis revealed that boric acid did not change the calcium sulfate dihydrate structure of gypsum plaster. Whereas, Helium pycnometer, N2 adsorption–desorption, and SEM analysis showed that the physical properties of gypsum changed with an increase in pore volume, skeletal density, and particle size after boric acid addition. The increase in the pore volume and particle size decreased the mechanical strength of gypsum. However, boric acid addition on the gypsum plaster plate, especially using the spraying method, enhanced the fire resistance of gypsum. Additionally, boric acid slightly enhanced the X-ray radiation attenuation properties (0.7%) of the gypsum plasterboard.

Engineering and microstructural properties of self-compacting concrete containing coarse recycled concrete aggregate

In this paper, the possibility of utilising coarse recycled concrete aggregate (CRCA) obtained from a construction and demolition waste (CDW) plant in Delhi to make 60 MPa self-compacted concrete (SCC) was evaluated. The CRCA was used in as-collected condition and was not processed any further. The aggregate packing (bulk) density (APD) method was adopted to prepare the SCC-CRCA mixture in order to obtain an aggregate mixture exhibiting maximum bulk density/least void content (45%). In addition, SCC was made using aggregate mixtures in which the natural coarse aggregate (NCA) was replaced with CRCA at 0%, 20% and 100% of the total coarse aggregate content by weight. The cement, fly ash, silica fume and water were kept constant for all SCC mixtures. The effects of CRCA on the flow behaviour, mechanical strength, shrinkage characteristics and microstructure properties of SCC mixtures were evaluated. The test results indicated that SCC mixtures made with up to 45% CRCA replacement can be used for structural concrete, which is higher than that recommended in Indian (20%) and international specifications (35%) for traditionally vibrated (conventional) concrete.

P‐250: Highly Transparent Optical Window Film with Outstanding Mechanical Strength and Folding Reliability for Flexible Displays

This research presents a new approach to developing an optical window film, leveraging the concept of charge‐transfer complex (CTC) intensification of colorless polyimide The window film demonstrates exceptional characteristics, including a tensile modulus of 8.4 GPa, a high total light transmittance of approximately 90%, and a yellow index below 3. This is the best‐recorded balance between mechanical strength and optical properties for a highly flexible optical film. Furthermore, the resulting film exhibits a pencil hardness grade surpassing 2H, alongside remarkable folding reliability, sustaining over 200,000 cycles of folding and unfolding. The excellent properties are ascribed to the unique supramolecular structure characterized by multiple hydrogen bonding and salt complexation interactions, significantly enhancing CTC intensification.

Immobilization of zirconium-modified activated carbon in an alginate matrix for the removal of atrazine: Preparation, performances and mechanisms

As an organic herbicide widely used in agriculture, atrazine has the characteristics of environmental persistence, high mobility and long half-life period, posing potential risks to the ecological environment. The materials commonly used to remove atrazine are powdered activated carbon and its modified materials, which have problems such as difficulty in recycling and secondary contamination. In order to solve the above problems, in this study, a new functional material EI-Zr@AC was prepared by immobilizing zirconium-modified activated carbon powder (Zr@AC) in an alginate matrix via the embedding immobilization (EI) technique, and was employed for removing atrazine in water. At the optimal preparation conditions of 2.5 % sodium alginate, 4.0 % CaCl2, 1.0 % Zr@AC and 2.0 % bentonite, the prepared EI-Zr@AC beads had the characteristics of high porosity, dense reticulation, and a large number of functional groups with optimal mechanical strength and mass transfer properties. When solution pH 3.0, temperature 25°C, and EI-Zr@AC dosage of 16 g/L, the removal efficiency of atrazine by EI-Zr@AC was 91.9 %. It showed that the atrazine removal by EI-Zr@AC was mainly the chemisorption and multimolecular layer adsorption. In addition, the EI-Zr@AC could be recycled after simple recycling method, and the removal of atrazine at 5.0 mg/L by the beads was still 55.5 % after five cycles, and the structure of the beads remained intact and Zr ion leaching rate was very low. The results showed that EI-Zr@AC was a kind of environmental remediation material with high application value.

Cellulose nanocrystal‐modified bio‐based aqueous polyurethane coating agent for kraft paper packaging

AbstractWith the implementation of the “plastic restriction order” and the demand for sustainable society development, biodegradable coatings derived from biomass materials have garnered significant interest. This study presents the synthesis of a double‐salt bio‐based waterborne polyurethane (PLA‐WPU) by utilizing poly(lactic acid) polyol (PLA) and isophorone diisocyanate (IPDI) as the main raw materials, along with 2,2‐dihydroxymethylpropionic acid (DMPA) and sodium ethylenediamine ethanesulfonate (A‐95) as a hydrophilic chain extender. Synergistic reinforcement of PLA‐WPU using hydrophobically modified cellulose nanocrystals (M‐CNC) and polycarbonate diimide (PDCDA). At an M‐CNC content of 3% relative to the effective mass of PLA‐WPU, the tensile strength reached 36.12 MPa. After 8 days a lipase PBS solution, the degradation rate reached 54%. Excellent waterproof performance was observed, exhibiting a contact angle of 143.5°. When applied as a surface coating on kraft paper, the Cobb 60 value decreased from 74.0 to 28.6 g/m2, while increasing the tensile strength by 451.3%. Importantly, the kraft paper maintained excellent waterproofing, mechanical strength, and high barrier properties even after repeated folding, high and low‐temperature conditions, and exposure to varying pH solutions. It proved to be both degradable and recyclable, making it a promising alternative to liner paper or plastic membrane, especially in food packaging.

Starch-based biodegradable films amended with nano-starch and tannic acid-coated nano-starch exhibit enhanced mechanical and functional attributes with antimicrobial activity

Starch-based biofilms are biodegradable, but their application is limited by lower mechanical strength and absence of antimicrobial properties. In this context, the present study attempted to unleash the potential of nanotechnology for synthesizing nano-starch (NS) and tannic acid-coated nano-starch (T-NS) for augmenting the tensile strength and antimicrobial properties of starch-based biofilms. Moreover, this study reports one of the first such attempts to improve the commercial viability of starch extracted from the corms of Amorphophallus paeoniifolius. In this study, NS and T-NS samples were first synthesized by the physical and chemical modification of the native starch (S) molecules. The NS and T-NS samples showed significantly smaller granule size, lower moisture content, and swelling power. Further, amendments with NS and T-NS samples (25 % and 50 %) to the native starch molecules were performed to obtain biofilm samples. The NSB (NS amended) and T-NSB (T-NS amended) biofilms showed comparatively higher tensile strength than SB films (100 % starch-based). The T-NSB showed greater antimicrobial activity against gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria. All the biofilms showed almost complete biodegradation in soil (in 10 days). Therefore, it can be concluded that additives like NS and T-NS can improve starch-based biofilms' mechanical strength and antimicrobial properties with considerable biodegradability.

Effect of chitosan concentration on hydroxyapatite/chitosan composite synthesis using the in-situ method as a dye adsorbent

Hydroxyapatite (HAp) is a versatile material with wide-ranging applications, including its utility as an adsorbent. However, its brittleness and limited adsorption capacity pose challenges, prompting the incorporation of chitosan (CTS) fillers to enhance mechanical strength and adsorption properties. The hydroxyapatite/chitosan (HAp/CTS) composite was synthesized via the in-situ method, utilizing natural sources such as calcium ions from cuttlefish bones and chitosan extracted from shrimp shells. Various chitosan concentrations (10, 20, 30, 40, and 50 wt%) were explored in the synthesis process, with the optimal adsorption of Rhodamine B dye observed at a 30% concentration, yielding 0.1832 mg/g. Validation of the HAp/CTS composite synthesis was achieved through X-ray diffraction, revealing the presence of CTS at a new peak at 2θ of 19.23°, while infrared spectroscopy confirmed absorption bands for both HAp and CTS. Additionally, scanning electron microscopy-energy dipersive spectroscopy (SEM-EDS) investigations revealed irregular shapes with agglomeration, resulting in a Ca/P ratio of 1.80 for the HAp/CTS composite. The HAp/CTS-30% composite demonstrated efficient Rhodamine B dye adsorption following the Freundlich isotherm equation, pseudo-second-order adsorption kinetics, and exhibited good reusability. These findings suggest that the HAp/CTS composite could serve as a promising, cost-effective solution for treating industrial wastewater.

Enzyme-induced Carbonate Precipitation (EICP) Combined with Lignin to Improve the Unconfined Compression Strength (USC) of Shanghai Clay

In order to improve the mechanical properties of high moisture content and low strength of clay particles in Shanghai, the effects of different lignin content on the unconfined compressive strength of EICP-lignin-cured clay were studied by using the method of lignin combined with EICP technology to strengthen the clay by lignin combined with EICP technology. The experimental results showed that EICP-lignin could enhance the unconfined compressive strength of Shanghai clay. With the increase of lignin content, the unconfined compressive strength of clay first increased and then decreased, and there was an optimal content value. The optimal lignin content is 8%.

Material strengths of shear-induced platelet aggregation clots and coagulation clots

Arterial occlusion by thrombosis is the immediate cause of some strokes, heart attacks, and peripheral artery disease. Most prior studies assume that coagulation creates the thrombus. However, a contradiction arises as whole blood (WB) clots from coagulation are too weak to stop arterial blood pressures (> 150 mmHg). We measure the material mechanical properties of elasticity and ultimate strength for Shear-Induced Platelet Aggregation (SIPA) type clots, that form under stenotic arterial hemodynamics in comparison with coagulation clots. The ultimate strength of SIPA clots averaged 4.6 ± 1.3 kPa, while WB coagulation clots had a strength of 0.63 ± 0.3 kPa (p < 0.05). The elastic modulus of SIPA clots was 3.8 ± 1.5 kPa at 1 Hz and 0.5 mm displacement, or 2.8 times higher than WB coagulation clots (1.3 ± 1.2 kPa, p < 0.0001). This study shows that the SIPA thrombi, formed quickly under high shear hemodynamics, is seven-fold stronger and three-fold stiffer compared to WB coagulation clots. A force balance calculation shows a SIPA clot has the strength to resist arterial pressure with a short length of less than 2 mm, consistent with coronary pathology.

Cellulose fibres enhance the function of hemostatic composite medical sealants.

Tissue adhesives and sealants offer promising alternatives to traditional wound closure methods, but the existing trade-off between biocompatibility and strength is still a challenge. The current study explores the potential of a gelatin-alginate-based hydrogel, cross-linked with a carbodiimide, and loaded with two functional fillers, the hemostatic agent kaolin and cellulose fibres, to improve the hydrogel's mechanical strength and hemostatic properties for use as a sealant. The effect of the formulation parameters on the mechanical and physical properties was studied, as well as the biocompatibility and microstructure. The incorporation of the two functional fillers resulted in a dual micro-composite structure, with uniform dispersion of both fillers within the hydrogel, and excellent adhesion between the fillers and the hydrogel matrix. This enabled to strongly increase the sealing ability and the tensile strength and modulus of the hydrogel. The fibres' contribution to the enhanced mechanical properties is more dominant than that of kaolin. A combined synergistic effect of both fillers resulted in enhanced sealing ability (247%), tensile strength (400%), and Young's modulus (437%), compared to the unloaded hydrogel formulation. While the incorporation of kaolin almost did not affect the physical properties of the hydrogel, the incorporation of the fibres strongly increased the viscosity and decreased the gelation time and swelling degree. The cytotoxicity tests indicated that all studied formulations exhibited high cell viability. Hence, the studied new dual micro-composite hydrogels may be suitable for medical sealing applications, especially when it is needed to get a high sealing effect within a short time. The desired hemostatic effect is obtained due to kaolin incorporation without affecting the physical properties of the sealant. Understanding the effects of the formulation parameters on the hydrogel's properties enables the fitting of optimal formulations for various medical sealing applications.

Physical, mechanical properties and microstructure of waste GBFS-based geopolymer incorporated with metakaolin and SiC whiskers(SiCw)

Geopolymer, known as alternative materials to ordinary Portland cement, possess superior properties. This study employed varying dosages of metakaolin from 0 to 30 % and silicon carbide whiskers (SiCw) from 0 to 0.05 % to enhance GBFS-based geopolymer matrix. The process began with the dispersion of SiCw in an alkaline activator through magnetic and ultrasonic stirring, followed by the preparation of the geopolymer. Physical and mechanical characteristics were evaluated to reveal the improvement effects of metakaolin and silicon carbide whiskers on the geopolymer. Techniques such as FTIR, XRD, and SEM-EDS were utilized to analyze the morphology, chemical components, and mineral phases. Pore size distribution and microstructural rearrangement were assessed using MIP and 29Si NMR. Additionally, TG-DTG analysis was conducted to analyze thermal stability. The results indicated that optimal additions of metakaolin and SiCw increased interactions among gel products and induced more chemical reactions, thus exhibiting better mechanical strength and thermal properties. The water absorption and permeable porosity were also improved. The inclusion of SiCw notably provided more nucleation sites and increased the dissolved aluminum content, enriching the phase in the system.