Loading...
Original Publication Date
2026
Document Type
Video
Abstract
This presentation explores the development of phenolic-based xerogels as lightweight, cost-effective alternatives to traditional silica aerogels for applications in aerospace, construction, and EV battery safety. By using ambient drying instead of expensive supercritical processes, the researchers address key scalability and manufacturing barriers.
The study investigates how manipulating synthetic parameters—such as monomer concentration and acid catalysis—influences the nanoporous structure. Maintaining pores below 50 nm is critical for minimizing the gas "mean free path" and reducing heat transfer.
Key findings include:
- Monomer Synergy: Moving to a bi-monomeric system (Bisphenol A and Resorcinol) optimizes density and prevents structural collapse, with a 25–30% Resorcinol increase yielding the best thermal performance.
- Catalytic Control: Variations in acid concentration dictate morphology, with high acid levels producing "fluffy" open-cell foams and low levels creating compact, stronger networks.
- Sustainability: The integration of lignin, a renewable byproduct of the paper industry, is explored to reduce reliance on fossil-fuel-derived monomers.
Keywords
Phenolic xerogels, Thermal insulation, Ambient pressure drying, Nanoporous materials, Thermal conductivity
Rights
Copyright © 2026 Kaylee Funk and Brenna Call. All rights reserved.
Comments
Presented in the Precision Materials for a Sustainable World session