Reinforcement Filler Research Articles

Enhancement of Tech-Sil25 Maxillofacial Silicone Mechanical Properties after Artificial Weathering through Addition of Nanoparticles.

To evaluate the effect of nanosilica and nanoalumina addition in Tech-sil25 maxillofacial silicone before and after exposure to artificial weathering conditions. A total of 144 samples were divided into four groups, a control group (n = 12) and three test groups, nanosilica (NS) (n = 36), nanoalumina (NA) (n = 36), and a hybrid nanoparticle (HySA) (n = 60) at different weight percentages (1, 2, and 3 wt. %) was added to Tech-sil25. Samples were exposed to artificial weathering for 100 hours, and subjected to characterizations involving tear strength, shore A hardness, roughness, and tensile strength tests. The data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics using a one-way ANOVA test to determine the level of significance between the groups. After 100 hours of artificial weathering, the one-way ANOVA result shows a highly significant increase in tensile and tear strengths with a minimal increase in hardness and roughness observed in samples containing 2% nanosilica (NS) followed by hybrid nanoparticle (HySA) of 1% nanoalumina (NA) + 1% nanosilica (NS) compared with a control group and other groups. The addition of nanosilica (NS), nanoalumina (NA), and a hybrid nanoparticle (HySA) to the Tech-sil25 maxillofacial silicone improved its mechanical properties. The combination of several filler reinforcements is essential for enhancing silicone's antiaging properties of silicone and maintaining some of its mechanical properties to prolong the service life.

The Characterization of Biodegradable Plastics from Cassava Starch with Varried Addition of Robusta Coffee Skin (Coffea canefora) and Glycerol

One of the solutions to the plastic pollution crisis is biodegradable plastic. The most efficient raw material for making biodegradable plastic is cassava starch, but it has a weakness in that natural fibers are generally added as reinforcement and natural filler. In this study, Robusta coffee skin fiber was used as a reinforcement for biodegradable plastic. To obtain the right variation of coffee skin composition, this study applied a completely randomized design (CRD) with two factors. The parameters observed in this study were thickness, water absorption, biodegradation, tensile strength, elongation, and modulus of elasticity. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and ANOVA test, coupled with the effectiveness index test was carried out. The results showed a thickness value of 0.703 – 1.007 mm. The value of water absorption is between 3.437 – 13.512 %. The resulting biodegradation value is between 32.914 – 68.971%. The tensile strength value is 19,056 – 46,507% and it is directly proportional to the modulus of elasticity, which is produced between 2.557 – 16.442 Mpa. The effectiveness index test demonstrated that the best treatments were obtained from the addition of 15% coffee skin with 20% glycerol, 10% glycerol with 20% coffee skin, and 5% glycerol with 20% coffee skin.

Development of Asbestos-free Disc Brake Pad Using Periwinkle Shell Powder and Coconut Shell Ash as Base Materials

Brake pads are integral part of an automobile braking system that contribute to the full control of the vehicle. The composite materials for their production must therefore possess adequate chemical, mechanical, physical, and thermal properties. The development of asbestos-free disc brake pad using Periwinkle Shell (PS) powder and Coconut Shell Ash (CSA) as reinforcement and frictional filler material respectively is presented. This was done with a view of establishing suitability of PS powder and CSA as replacements for asbestos which has been found to be carcinogenic and capable of causing Asbestosis and Mesothelioma [1]. Other ingredients used are graphite as lubricant, epoxy resin as binder, copper, zinc, and aluminum powders as abrasives and also to impact mechanical strength. The optimum percentage formulation of these materials for the pad was arrived at by using the ANOVA tool of the Box-Behnken technique of Design Expert Software, DX-13. The CSA and PS powders were sieved into grades of 106 µm, 150 µm, 212 µm and 300 µm and then combined with other constituents to produce the brake pad. The pads were characterized in terms of their physical, mechanical and tribological properties. It was observed that increase in particle size distributions leads to decrease in densification and carbon crosslinking of the produced composite brake pads. Therefore, the 106 µm particle size sample has better properties than others. Comparison analysis shows that the performance parameters of the 106 μm size brake pad compares well, and in some cases better, with typical after-market replacement pads, an asbestos-based brake pad and brake pads developed from past research works.

Mechanical Characterization of Filler Modified ABS 3D Printed Composites Made via Fused Filament Fabrication

Rapid prototyping (also known as additive manufacturing, AM) is a quickly developing process with increasing new applications in a large variety of industrial sectors (i.e., aerospace, automotive, medical, among others.) However, despite the great advantage of a decoupled price to part complexity of an AM fabricated structure, the material properties (largely governed by filament material and printing parameters) still present a significant limiting factor. In this context, the development of new filament materials for a wider range of applications has great potential. In this study, the influence of micro-scale filler reinforcement (powders), both natural (curauá) and synthetic (glass fibre), in the fabrication of an Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS) filament was evaluated. The filler was controlled by weight fraction (~1%) and the filament was fabricated via extrusion. A commercially available 3D printer was used to print tensile and flexural specimens for mechanical characterization as per ASTM standards. The fracture morphology was analysed after tensile testing via optical microscopy in order to evaluate the effect of the fillers on the material deposition and void formation. No significant variation in the tensile properties was reported, except for the strain at failure, while more significant flexural strength variation was observed as a function of filler material. The fillers presented a significant effect on the void density of the fractured surface. It was demonstrated that this simple fabrication technique can generate novel filament materials that may enhance the mechanical properties or widen the range of application (e.g., faster decomposition times in nature for single-use plastics due to the hydrophilic nature of the natural filler and lower water absorption of the hydrophobic synthetic filler for marine environment applications).

Microscale 3D Printing and Tuning of Cellulose Nanocrystals Reinforced Polymer Nanocomposites.

The increasing demand for functional materials and an efficient use of sustainable resources makes the search for new material systems an ever growing endeavor. With this respect, architected (meta-)materials attract considerable interest. Their fabrication at the micro- and nanoscale, however, remains a challenge, especially for composites with highly different phases and unmodified reinforcement fillers. This study demonstrates that it is possible to create a non-cytotoxic nanocomposite ink reinforced by a sustainable phase, cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs), to print and tune complex 3D architectures using two-photon polymerization, thus, advancing the state of knowledge toward the microscale. Micro-compression, high-res scanning electron microscopy, (polarised) Raman spectroscopy, and composite modeling are used to study the structure-property relationships. A 100% stiffness increase is observed already at 4.5 wt% CNC while reaching a high photo-polymerization degree of ≈80% for both neat polymers and CNC-composites. Polarized Raman and the Halpin-Tsai composite-model suggest a random CNC orientation within the polymer matrix. The microscale approach can be used to tune arbitrary small scale CNC-reinforced polymer-composites with comparable feature sizes. The new insights pave the way for future applications where the 3D printing of small structures is essential to improve performances of tissue-scaffolds, extend bio-electronics applications or tailor microscale energy-absorptiondevices.

A comprehensive review on fused deposition modelling of polylactic acid.

Fused Deposition Modelling (FDM) is one of the additive manufacturing (AM) techniques that have emerged as the most feasible and prevalent approach for generating functional parts due to its ability to produce neat and intricate parts. FDM mainly utilises one of the widely used polymers, polylactic acid, also known as polylactide (PLA). It is an aliphatic polyester material and biocompatible thermoplastic, with the best design prospects due to its eco-friendly properties; when PLA degrades, it breaks down into water and carbon dioxide, neither of which are hazardous to the environment. However, PLA has its limitations of poor mechanical properties. Therefore, a filler reinforcement may enhance the characteristics of PLA and produce higher-quality FDM-printed parts. The processing parameters also play a significant role in the final result of the printed parts. This review aims to study and discover the properties of PLA and the optimum processing parameters. This review covers PLA in FDM, encompassing its mechanical properties, processing parameters, characterisation, and applications. A comprehensive description of FDM processing parameters is outlined as it plays a vital role in determining the quality of a printed product. In addition, PLA polymer is highly desirable for various field industrial applications such as in a medical, automobile, and electronic, given its excellent thermoplastic and biodegradability properties.

Physical-Mechanical Properties of Chartwell® Coupling Agent-Treated Calcium Carbonate and Silica-Reinforced Hybrid Natural Rubber Composites

In this work investigated the possibility of applying a superficial treatment to ultra-fine calcium carbonate aiming to improve its interaction with the polymer chains of natural rubber so it does not act just as a filler. Commercial processes commonly use 40 phr of Silica as reinforcement filler. Here, we have evaluated the partial replacement of Silica by two types of calcium carbonate into hybrid natural rubber composites, untreated ultra-fine calcium carbonate and with ultra-fine calcium carbonate treated with 2% Chartwell C-515.71HR®. We added calcium carbonate fillers to the composite mixtures (as replacements for commercial silica treated with silane) and studied their influence on the vulcanization process. According to our findings, between 25% and 75% of the silica can be replaced with treated calcium carbonate, and up to 30 parts of CaCO3 can be combined with 100 parts of NR without compromising the properties of the polymer matrix (NR), which generates economic advantages for this industry. Treated calcium carbonate was able to link the inorganic and organic parts of the composite due to its bifunctionality; hence, it can be used as a filler to partially replace silica in hybrid NR composites.

Preparation of bio-based elastomer and its nanocomposites based on dimethyl itaconate with versatile properties

As the need for renewable and high-performance alternative elastomer grows, efforts have been made to develop bio-based elastic polymers for engineering applications. Herein, bio-based elastomers poly(dimethyl itaconate-co-butadiene)s (PDMIBs) were successfully synthesized by emulsion copolymerization of renewable monomer dimethyl itaconate (DMI) with partially petroleum-derived butadiene under mild conditions. It is an effective strategy to tailor PDMIB properties by comonomers with different feed ratios and to adjust the compositions and sequence distributions. The structure and thermal stability were investigated by FTIR, NMR, DSC analyses, etc. In terms of properties: (1) the vulcanizates showed excellent tensile strength (10.2 MPa), elongation at break (1146%) and toughness (37.6 MJ m−3) without filler reinforcement, which were obviously superior to the mechanical properties of most traditional petroleum-based synthetic rubbers; (2) Nanosilica-filled PDMIBs exhibited good mechanical properties, excellent abrasion resistance and oil resistance due to strong polarity in molecular chains; (3) Epoxy-functionalized poly(dimethyl itaconate-co-butadiene-co-glycidyl methacrylate) PDMIBG showed better silica dispersion and excellent dynamic mechanical properties. In summary, this new kind of bio-based elastomer PDMIBs can be used in multiple engineering applications, such as bio-based gloves, conveying belts, oil-resistant products and high-performance tire tread materials, etc. This study opens the door to the use of emulsion copolymerization and functionalization modification technology in the synthesis of new high-performance bio-based elastomer nanocomposites for the rubber industry.

Mesoporous Spherical Silica Filler Prepared from Coal Gasification Fine Slag for Styrene Butadiene Rubber Reinforcement and Promoting Vulcanization.

Coal gasification fine slag (CFS) is a solid contaminant produced by an entrained flow gasifier, which pollutes fields and the air in the long term. CFS is a potential polymer reinforcement filler and has been used in polypropylene and acrylonitrile butadiene styrene resins. Coal gasification fine slag mesoporous silica (FS-SiO2) was prepared by acid leaching, calcination, and pH adjustment, with a larger specific surface area and less surface hydroxyl compared to the commercial precipitated silica (P-silica). The cure characteristics, crosslink density, mechanical properties, the morphology of the tensile fractures, dynamic mechanics, and rubber processing of the prepared styrene butadiene rubber (SBR) composites filled with P-silica and FS-SiO2 were analyzed, respectively. The results indicated that FS-SiO2 was dispersed more uniformly in the SBR matrix than P-silica owing to its smaller amount of surface hydroxyl and spherical structure, resulting in a better mechanical performance and wet skid resistance. In particular, the SBR composites with a filler pH of 6.3 exhibited the highest crosslink density and tensile strength, being superior to commercial P-silica. Significantly, the curing time decreased with the increase in the pH of FS-SiO2, which caused the rubber processing to be more efficient. This strategy can reduce the cost of rubber composites and the environmental pollution caused by CFS.

Investigation on Heat Deflection and Thermal Conductivity of Basalt Fiber Reinforced Composites Prepared by Hand Layup Method

Recent trends are shifting to the use of composite materials and their demands for making alternate materials to metals due to weight ratio, while the synthetic fiber composite also creates environmental hazards. To overcome these issues, composite materials with natural fiber reinforcement are being developed. The current work is concerned with the fabrication of composite laminates using the traditional hand layup method, with 40% reinforcement of basalt fiber mat and sawdust filler and 60% epoxy, with quantifying the thermal effects of composite laminates varying with four different weight fractions of basalt fiber and sawdust filler materials. The results revealed that maximum thermal conductance, heat deflection temperature, and coefficient of linear thermal expansion values are 0.254 W/mK, 95°C, and 2.9 × 10−5/°C, respectively, which increases sawdust filler loading resist the thermal effect compared to basalt fiber loading of hybrid composite.

Comprehensive experimental investigations and theoretical predictions on the physical properties of natural rubber composites

AbstractConducting elastomers are highly desirable in the present world because of their major applications in the electronic industry. Conductive carbon black (CCB) is a conventional reinforcing filler commonly used in elastomers to modify the mechanical as well as electrical properties. The present study focuses on the experimental and theoretical computation of filler reinforcement, dielectric, mechanical, dynamic mechanical, and surface morphology of natural rubber (NR)/CCB composites. Two step processing method is adopted to attain homogeneous dispersion of filler in the matrix: preparation of NR/CCB masterbatch through melt mixing using internal mixer followed by compounding in a two‐ roll mill. Improved DC conductivity in the order of 10−6was obtained at higher filler loading indicating the formation of a continuous conductive network in the matrix. Percolation threshold was computed using Power law equation and obtained a value of 0.154 vol%. Theoretical predictions of mechanical modulus and tensile strength were done using rule of mixtures, Einstein, Guth and Kerner models and Nicolais‐Narkis and Kuneri‐Geil models respectively. A remarkable change in tensile strength is observed for NR as a function of the weight percentage of CCB; it is increased to 26.3 ± 0.9 MPa at 20 phr CCB from 17.1 ± 0.9 MPa for NR.

Characterization of Mechanical and Electrical Properties of Polystyrene Composite Reinforced by Hybrid Reinforcement Filler

Nowadays, electrically conductive polymer plays some important roles in the modern electronic devices because the crucial importance in telecommunication and biosensors. This type of materials offers an obvious decrease in the weight of the devices and it also has an environmental compatibility. A conductive polymer composite is promising alternative materials that has several advantages in the electronic applications currently. Polyester was used as a matrix, and copper –Tin /Zink inform of particulates with Copper short wires were considered electrically conductive fillers. The study prepared two groups (A and B) using different filler materials (Cu- Tin /Zink - Polyester and Cu- Tin /Zink –Cu- short wires / Polyester) with a weight fraction percentage of up to 50%. A composite processing method was slip casting to produce rectangular and cylindrical samples; after that samples were cured at room temperature for 48 hrs. Produced samples from both mixed were tested for density, ultimate tensile strength and scan electron microscope. AC conductivity test were performed for all samples using a frequency range from 50 Hz to 50 MHz to measure the dielectrically loss factor and electrical conductivity. From the study, it has been found that filler powder almost proved better ultimate strength behavior, and the peak value was determined at 30% wt., while short wires above 40 % wt. can cause a dramatic reduction in tensile strength. The results revealed that short wires filler van improves the electrical conductivity by approximately 50%; when compared with using particulate filler only. The result from the microstructure showed that short wires with metals powder could provide a connected network for improving the conductivity in the polymer matrix.

Tensile Strength and Shore Hardness Evaluation in Clean Grade Silicone with Nanosilica Filler Reinforcement as an Alternative for Maxillofacial Prosthesis Materials

Maxillofacial prostheses are usually replaced periodically due to poor tear strength at the edges, inelasticity, and excessive hardness. Improvement in mechanical properties can be achieved by adding nanosilica fillers. Medical grade silicone as a maxillofacial prosthesis material is difficult to find on the local market and is quite expensive. Therefore, it is necessary to have an alternative maxillofacial prosthesis material that is more affordable and accessible. Clean grade silicone is a non-toxic type of silicone that can be modified by adding nanosilica filler to have properties similar to medical silicones so that they can be accepted as an alternative to maxillofacial prosthesis materials. The samples were made from clean grade silicone with various addition of nanosilica fillers: 0% (control), 1%, 2%, 3%, and 6%. Tensile strength was tested on each sample according to ISO 37: 2017 for silicone rubber. Dumb-bell shape samples were tested on Llyod Universal Testing Machine with 500 mm/min transverse rates. Hardness was tested on each sample according to the ASTM D2240 for silicone rubber. Six indentations were carried out on a rectangle sample (36 x 60 x 6 mm) tested with Durometer type A. The hardness result increased from 15,7 to 42,8 Shore A, while tensile strength decreased from 3.38 to 2.14 MPa. This could happen due to the agglomeration of silica filler concentration and need further research on the ratio and method for mixing. So, it can be concluded that the addition of 3% nanosilica filler resulted in acceptable tensile strength and hardness value as a substitute for maxillofacial prosthesis material.

Performance of Advanced Waterborne Wood Coatings Reinforced with Cellulose Nanocrystals.

The main objective of this study was to examine the impact of cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) in advanced waterborne wood coatings such as polycarbonate urethane (PCU) and hybrid alkyd varnish (HAV) in terms of coating performance, mechanical properties, optical properties, and water permeation and uptake properties. The influence of CNCs on the overall quality of the various waterborne wood coatings was investigated by incorporating different percentages of CNCs. Varying CNC content in coating formulations showed that CNCs are effective for waterborne wood coatings; CNCs offer both higher scratch and impact resistance as compared to neat coatings and have a significant reduction in water vapor permeation through a film with little increase in water vapor uptake at high concentrations. It was observed that the CNC darkened and reduced gloss in the coatings and viscosified the dispersion. These research findings suggest that CNCs are well-dispersed at lower concentrations, but at high concentrations, agglomeration occurred. Thus, while CNCs can give better mechanical and permeation performances at contents of up to 5 wt %, at 1 wt % CNCs can still provide modest scratch and chip resistance improvement without loss of optical properties (gloss and color) while retaining a similar water uptake. Overall, it can be concluded that CNCs have the potential to be used as a reinforcement filler in high-performance waterborne wood coatings.

Finite Element Study of PEEK Materials Applied in Post-Retained Restorations.

Background: This study aimed to investigate the biomechanical behaviors of polyether ether ketone (PEEK) and traditional materials (titanium and fiber) when used to restore tooth defects in the form of prefabricated post or customized post via computational modelling. Methods: First, the prototype of natural tooth, and the prototypes of prefabricated post and customized post were established, respectively, whilst the residual root was restored with dentin ferrule using reverse engineering methods. Then, the stress and strain of CFR-PEEK (PEEK reinforced by 30% carbon fiber) and pure PEEK (PEEK without any reprocessing) post were compared with those made in traditional materials using the three-dimensional finite element method. Results: From the stress point of view, compared with metal and fiber posts, CFR-PEEK and pure PEEK prefabricated post both demonstrated reduced post-core interface stress, post stress, post-root cement stress and root cement stress; moreover, CFR-PEEK and pure PEEK customized post demonstrated reduced post stress, post-root cement stress and root cement stress, while the strain of CFR-PEEK post was the closest to that of dentin. Conclusions: Compared with the traditional posts, both the CFR-PEEK and pure PEEK posts could reduce the risk of debonding and vertical root fracture, whether they were used as prefabricated posts or customized posts, but the biomechanical behavior of carbon fiber-reinforced CFR-PEEK restorations was the closest to dentin, no matter if they were used as prefabricated post or customized post. Therefore, the CFR-PEEK post could be more suitable to restore massive tooth defects. Pure PEEK needs filler reinforcement to be used for post-retained restoration.

Rheological study of polymeric fluids based on HPAM and fillers for application in EOR

Partially hydrolyzed polyacrylamide (HPAM) is the most widely used polymer in the chemical method of enhanced oil recovery (EOR). However, it is not recommended for reservoirs with high salinity and high temperature, due to its weak stability under these conditions. Therefore, in this work we prepared and evaluated fluids containing HPAM and two reinforcement fillers, SiO2, and coal fly ash (CFA), mainly seeking to increase the thermal stability of HPAM. Rheological analyses were performed of the fluids, with or without the presence of these fillers, to determine their injectivity in petroleum reservoirs at 30 °C and their stability at temperatures of 30 °C (ambient) and 85 °C (typical of reservoirs), during 60 days at the latter temperature, in the absence or presence of oxygen. We also evaluated the rock-fluid interaction and conducted filtration tests of the most promising fluids. The results showed that all the fluids prepared had viscosities suitable for injection in reservoirs and stability at 30 °C. At 85 °C, the HPAM fluids with fillers presented smaller viscosity variation in relation to the counterpart fluids without filler, and the presence of oxygen diminished the stability of these fluids. The fluid-rock contact angle changed very little with the addition of the fillers, with the rock being slightly more wettable by the polymeric fluid with higher filler concentrations. Finally, the filtration tests showed that the fluids containing the fillers SiO2 and CFA are suitable for injection under typical reservoir conditions, with those containing CFA being recommended only for reservoirs with greater rock pore volume.

Experimental investigation and calculation method for the bearing capability of bolt steel-to-laminated bamboo connections under the coupling of bending moment and shear force

To solve the design and calculation method of the connections in modern bamboo structure, experimental investigation and calculation method for the bearing capability of bolt steel-to-laminated bamboo connections under the coupling of bending moment and shear force are presented in this article. Firstly, the bearing capability of laminated bamboo beam-column bolt connections with slotted-in steel plates was investigated by the experiment. Secondly, the analysis of the influence of different beam-column gap, bolt arrangement, built-in filler and CFRP reinforcement on the stiffness and strength of the connections are analyzed and discussed. In particular, when beam-column gap is 20 mm, there is an obvious secondary rising segment on the moment-rotation curve. Thirdly, the typical yield modes and failure characteristics of beam-column connections under the coupling of bending moment and shear force were obtained. Finally, the calculation method for the bearing capability and the theoretical prediction model of moment-rotation curves of the connections were established. The average of the lower and upper bounds was used to predict the bearing capability of the connections. The relative error was less than 10% and the calculated results were accurate. The research results could provide the reliable basis for the design and calculation of beam-column bolt connections with slotted-in steel plates in modern bamboo structure.

Properties of Gypsum Boards Made with Cedrus Tree (Cedrus libani) Components. Part 2. Chemical and Technological Properties

In this study, the variation of cedrus tree parts and gypsum during experimental panel manufacturing have been evaluated. The burning pattern on the surface of all test boards produced by adding cedrus’s tree components (wood, bark, cone and needle) as reinforcement fillers to the gypsum structure did not reach the threshold limit of 150 mm that specified in the standard value as ISO 11925-2 standard but only limi-ted spreading of char was observed. It was also found that cone looks like create better barrier against heat compare to needle, wood and bark in similar proportions with gypsum. In contrary, although bark could be absorbed and barrier to heat better than others but it may not support flammability that are not support to mass lost when subject to burning. Some chemical changes occurred in main constituents of lignocellu-losic substances in water/gypsum mixture as evidence with FTIR spectrums. It has also realized that bark (SKa6), cone (Sko6), and needle (SI6) in gypsum negative impact on thermal degradation that higher tempe-rature for decomposition compare to wood-based board (Ska1) at similar experimental manufacturing conditions. It has clearly seen that content of fillers dramatically effects thermal stability of gypsum based boards.

Recent developments in composite reinforcement using date palm fibers for improved performance through physical and chemical modifications

Recently, there has been a growing interest in novel technologies dealing with environmental aspects that leads us to effective utilization of the available natural resources and better waste management strategies. The last few decades have witnessed the application of several natural fibers in composite industries ensuing relatively high strength polymer composites, which are promising eco-friendly alternative to man-made synthetic composites. Especially, Date Palm fibers (DPF) are of specific interest, as they possess desirable properties such as light weight and low density, superior mechanical strength and thermal conductivity, and are considered as very good substitutes for synthetic composites. There are several earlier research on DPF as fillers for polymer reinforcement. However, there is an insufficient comprehensive and comparative study of various DPF reinforced polymer composites, which will assist the scientists to expand their knowledge on the fabrication of surface modified DPF for effective polymer reinforcements. This review provides a summary of the surface microstructure, highly polar chemical nature of fiber, required surface modifications that will enhance the interfacial bonding of fiber to the polymer matrix and a critical in-depth analysis of the different types of DPF composites and their physico-mechanical and thermal properties.

Erythritol confined in multiwalled carbon nanotubes reinforced silica aerogel as novel form-stable phase change materials

In this work, pristine multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MCNTs) and mixed acids treated MCNTs (ACNTs) were applied as reinforcement fillers to prepare silica aerogels via ambient pressure drying followed by lyophilization. The prepared aerogels were then used as supporting materials to adsorb meso-erythritol (ME) to obtain novel form-stable PCMs by vacuum infiltration. Investigation of the prepared form-stable PCMs revealed that the ACNT/SiO2 aerogels possessed higher porosity than MCNT/SiO2 aerogels due to that the ACNTs exhibited stronger interactions with silica than the MCNTs, and could more effectively prevent the prepared ACNT/SiO2 aerogels from collapsing and shrinking during drying. Consequently, the loading of ME in the form-stable PCMs supported by ACNT/SiO2 aerogels (AFPCMs) was greatly higher than that in the form-stable PCMs supported by MCNT/SiO2 aerogels (MFPCMs). When ACNT/SiO2-6 aerogel, in which 60 mg ACNTs were used as reinforcement filler, was applied as supporting material, the obtained form-stable PCM (AFPCM-6) exhibited a very high melting latent heat of 297.3 J/g, an elevated crystallizing temperature of 56 °C and an improved crystallizing latent heat of 231 J/g. Besides, the latent heat storage/release properties of AFPCM-6 maintained stable enough over 50 melting/crystallizing cycles. Meanwhile, the thermal conductivity of AFPCM-6 was 37.5 % higher than that of pure ME. Hence, AFPCM-6 could be an excellent form-stable PCM and could find its applications in related fields.