Ultralight and Flame-Retardant Nanofiber/Aerogel Microfiber Sponges with Dual-Network Structures for Warmth Retention

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Textile Engineering
• Nanotechnology

Background:

• Cold exposure necessitates effective warmth retention materials.
• Current fibrous materials are heavy, mechanically weak, flammable, and inefficient insulators.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop ultralight, flame-retardant, and high-efficiency warmth retention materials.
• To create dual-network nanofiber/aerogel microfiber sponges (NAMS) using direct electrospinning.

Main Methods:

• Direct electrospinning to prepare aerogel fibers and introduce flexible nanofibers.
• Regulating jet phase separation behavior for aerogel fiber formation.
• Constructing dual-network structures within the sponge.

Main Results:

• Obtained NAMS are lightweight (3.44 mg cm⁻³).
• NAMS exhibit robust mechanical properties (no plastic deformation after 500 stretch/1000 compression cycles).
• NAMS show efficient warmth retention (thermal conductivity of 23.92 mW m⁻¹ K⁻¹) and flame resistance (LOI of 28.7%).

Conclusions:

• NAMS present a promising solution for advanced warmth retention.
• The dual-network structure enhances mechanical and thermal properties.
• NAMS offer a pathway to ultralight, flame-retardant, high-performance insulation materials.