Investigation on laser engraving based application of silica aerogel into nonwovens

In this work, a new approach to apply silica aerogel into nonwoven textiles by using laser engraving and laminating technique was proposed. Thermal performance of the prepared composites were characterized in terms of infrared thermal images, maximum heat flux and heat retention ability. Results showed that in comparison to regular composites the air pockets lead to 0.5A degrees C lower temperature on the fabric surface, and the aerogel-encapsulated structure results in a decrease of 1.04-1.47A degrees C in the fabric temperature. It was also noticed the aerogel-encapsulated composites have slightly lower q(max) value and a thermal feeling, however, samples with air pockets showed increased value in q(max), and the increasing rate was strongly related to the composites thickness. Composites with air pockets exhibited better ability to retain heat, the highest heat retention ability was observed from composites with aerogel-encapsulated structure.