One-Pot Sol–Gel Synthesis of Highly Insulative Hybrid P(AAm-CO-AAc)-Silica Aerogels with Improved Mechanical and Thermal Properties

Silica aerogels and their derivatives have outstanding thermal properties with exceptional values in the insulation industry. However, brittle nature restricts large-scale commercialization. Thus, enhancing mechanical strength without affecting insulating is essential. Therefore, for first time, highly thermally stable poly(acrylamide-co-acrylic acid) partial sodium salt used as a reinforcing polymer to synthesize hybrid P(AAm-CO-AAc)-silica via epoxy ring-opening polymerization present study. Functional groups P(AAm-CO-AAc) salts, such CONH2 COOH, acted nucleophiles reaction (3-glycidyloxypropyl)trimethoxysilane, which resulted seven-fold enhancement compared that of pristine silica aerogel while maintaining conductivity at less than 30.6 mW/mK porosity more 93.68%. Moreover, demonstrated improved stability up 343 °C, owing synergetic effect between aerogel, corresponding strong covalent bonding among them. These excellent results illustrate this new synthetic approach producing useful impairing its property shows potential an industrial heat material.