Rigid-Flexible Dual-Network Aerogel Microfiber/Nanofiber Sponge with Warmth Retention and Electromagnetic Shielding.

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Nanotechnology
• Polymer Science

Background:

• Developing wearable protective materials for extreme environments requires balancing flexibility, lightweight properties, warmth retention, and electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding.
• Existing materials often struggle to meet all these demanding requirements simultaneously.

Purpose of the Study:

• To construct a novel rigid-flexible dual-network aerogel fiber/nanofiber sponge (RAFS) for applications in extreme environments.
• To investigate the mechanical, thermal, electromagnetic shielding, and durability properties of the developed RAFS material.

Main Methods:

• A facile three-dimensional electrospinning strategy was employed to synchronously form rigid PMMA/MWCNT-OH aerogel fibers and flexible TPU/Fe3O4 nanofibers.
• These components were assembled into a dual-network fibrous sponge structure.
• Material characterization included mechanical testing (tensile, compression), density measurement, thermal conductivity analysis, EMI shielding effectiveness evaluation, and photothermal efficiency assessment.

Main Results:

• The RAFS exhibited remarkable mechanical properties: stretchability over 2000 times its weight, excellent elasticity after 1000 cycles, and recovery at -196 °C.
• Ultralow density (4.74 mg cm⁻³) and low thermal conductivity (26.56 mW m⁻¹ K⁻¹) were achieved due to the hierarchical pore structure.
• Rapid photothermal efficiency (surface temperature increase of 45.1 °C in 5 min) and good EMI shielding (16.32 dB) were observed, attributed to the synergistic conductive and magnetic networks.
• The material also demonstrated excellent hydrophobicity, thermal insulation stability in humid conditions, and long-term durability.

Conclusions:

• The developed rigid-flexible dual-network aerogel fiber/nanofiber sponge (RAFS) is a promising multifunctional material for extreme environments.
• The facile electrospinning strategy offers a new pathway for creating advanced protective materials with tailored properties.
• RAFS successfully integrates lightweight, flexibility, warmth retention, and electromagnetic shielding capabilities.