Melamine‐Crosslinked Polyimide Aerogels from Supercritical Ethanol Drying with Improved In‐Use Shape Stability Against Shrinking

Polyimide aerogels are promising for diverse applications owing to their nano-porous structure and superior properties. However, the shrinkage of melamine-crosslinked polyimide (MPI) has greatly compromised performance in practical applications. In this study, supercritical drying with ethanol rather than CO2 is employed enhance in-use shape stability at high temperatures. The structure, thermal insulation, mechanical strength resultant as well characterized. Experimental results reveal that MPI during use improved thanks in-advance baptism drying. aerogel shrinks by only 2.64 vol.% after being treated 280 °C 72 h. Besides, shows enhanced compressive can easily support a load more 20 000 times its own weight. conductivity these varies from 0.034 0.046 W m−1 k−1, indicative remarkable insulation. addition, started decompose 500 also perform char forming. It be envisaged developed may have broad prospects insulation