Biologically based fiber-reinforced/clay aerogel composites

Ultralow-density clay aerogels are formed via the freeze-drying of clay hydrogels. Although unmodified clay aerogels exhibit generally poor mechanical properties, the incorporation of short-cut natural fibers forms a woven-like structure, which significantly increases the mechanical properties of these materials. Incorporation of a matrix polymer into the aerogel/fiber composites further enhances compressive strengths and moduli. A woven-like structure composed of clay aerogel warp and fiber weft materials seems to be responsible for the enhancements in the material properties in each case examined.