Hybrid RF-Si Xerogels: A Cost-Effective Proposal for Insulator Materials
Hybrid xerogels RF/Si were synthesized by controlling the chemical variables involved in the polymerization process (i.e., molar ratios, dilution ratio, catalysts, etc.) and evaluated as insulator materials. Higher insulating performances were recorded for these hybrids compared with their counterpa...
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| Format: | Article |
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MDPI AG
2021-12-01
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| Series: | Materials |
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| Online Access: | https://www.mdpi.com/1996-1944/15/1/265 |
| _version_ | 1797498473253175296 |
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| author | Samantha L. Flores-López Sara F. Villanueva Natalia Rey-Raap Ana Arenillas |
| author_facet | Samantha L. Flores-López Sara F. Villanueva Natalia Rey-Raap Ana Arenillas |
| author_sort | Samantha L. Flores-López |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | Hybrid xerogels RF/Si were synthesized by controlling the chemical variables involved in the polymerization process (i.e., molar ratios, dilution ratio, catalysts, etc.) and evaluated as insulator materials. Higher insulating performances were recorded for these hybrids compared with their counterparts made from only one of their components (i.e., RF or Si xerogels with similar porous characteristics). The analysis of chemical and structural features correlated with heat transfer methods was useful in understanding the sum of contributions involved in the thermal conductivity of RF/Si xerogels. Variables such as roughness and tortuosity can be used to improve the performance of xerogels from a different perspective. In this way, thermal conductivities of 25 mW/mK were achieved without lengthy process steps or special drying methods. Knowledge of material design and the use of microwave heating during the synthesis allowed us to approach a simple and cost-effective process. These results suggest that the hybrid materials developed in this work are a good starting point for the future of the massive production of insulation materials. |
| first_indexed | 2024-03-10T03:33:53Z |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj.art-82e91955ebab46d8a35aeb56f7caf3c3 |
| institution | Directory Open Access Journal |
| issn | 1996-1944 |
| language | English |
| last_indexed | 2024-03-10T03:33:53Z |
| publishDate | 2021-12-01 |
| publisher | MDPI AG |
| record_format | Article |
| series | Materials |
| spelling | doaj.art-82e91955ebab46d8a35aeb56f7caf3c32023-11-23T11:50:41ZengMDPI AGMaterials1996-19442021-12-0115126510.3390/ma15010265Hybrid RF-Si Xerogels: A Cost-Effective Proposal for Insulator MaterialsSamantha L. Flores-López0Sara F. Villanueva1Natalia Rey-Raap2Ana Arenillas3Instituto de Ciencia y Tecnología del Carbono, INCAR-CSIC, Francisco Pintado Fe, 26., 33011 Oviedo, SpainInstituto de Ciencia y Tecnología del Carbono, INCAR-CSIC, Francisco Pintado Fe, 26., 33011 Oviedo, SpainDepartment of Physical and Analytical Chemistry, Oviedo University-CINN-CSIC, 33006 Oviedo, SpainInstituto de Ciencia y Tecnología del Carbono, INCAR-CSIC, Francisco Pintado Fe, 26., 33011 Oviedo, SpainHybrid xerogels RF/Si were synthesized by controlling the chemical variables involved in the polymerization process (i.e., molar ratios, dilution ratio, catalysts, etc.) and evaluated as insulator materials. Higher insulating performances were recorded for these hybrids compared with their counterparts made from only one of their components (i.e., RF or Si xerogels with similar porous characteristics). The analysis of chemical and structural features correlated with heat transfer methods was useful in understanding the sum of contributions involved in the thermal conductivity of RF/Si xerogels. Variables such as roughness and tortuosity can be used to improve the performance of xerogels from a different perspective. In this way, thermal conductivities of 25 mW/mK were achieved without lengthy process steps or special drying methods. Knowledge of material design and the use of microwave heating during the synthesis allowed us to approach a simple and cost-effective process. These results suggest that the hybrid materials developed in this work are a good starting point for the future of the massive production of insulation materials.https://www.mdpi.com/1996-1944/15/1/265hybrid xerogelsthermal insulationcost-effective processmicrowave heating |
| spellingShingle | Samantha L. Flores-López Sara F. Villanueva Natalia Rey-Raap Ana Arenillas Hybrid RF-Si Xerogels: A Cost-Effective Proposal for Insulator Materials Materials hybrid xerogels thermal insulation cost-effective process microwave heating |
| title | Hybrid RF-Si Xerogels: A Cost-Effective Proposal for Insulator Materials |
| title_full | Hybrid RF-Si Xerogels: A Cost-Effective Proposal for Insulator Materials |
| title_fullStr | Hybrid RF-Si Xerogels: A Cost-Effective Proposal for Insulator Materials |
| title_full_unstemmed | Hybrid RF-Si Xerogels: A Cost-Effective Proposal for Insulator Materials |
| title_short | Hybrid RF-Si Xerogels: A Cost-Effective Proposal for Insulator Materials |
| title_sort | hybrid rf si xerogels a cost effective proposal for insulator materials |
| topic | hybrid xerogels thermal insulation cost-effective process microwave heating |
| url | https://www.mdpi.com/1996-1944/15/1/265 |
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