Hydrophobic silica aerogels strengthened with nonwoven fibers

Hydrophobic silica aerogels were prepared via a sol-gel process by surface modification at ambient pressure. Nonwoven fibers were distributed inside the silica aerogels as a composite to act as a supporting skeleton which increased the mechanical property of the silica aerogels. The morphology and pore structure of the composites were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and N-2 adsorption analyzer. The contact angle and the adsorption capacities of the composites were also determined. The results show that silica aerogels dispersed uniformly and maintained high porosity in the aerogel-fiber composites. They have excellent hydrophobic properties and are excellent adsorptive materials.