When the reinforced concrete structure is heated above 350 degrees Celsius, its strength will rapidly decrease, causing it to collapse. Recently, the team of Professor Yu Shuhong from the University of Science and Technology of China has developed a phenolic resin/silica composite aerogel material with dual network structure, which can “insulate heat” at 1300 degrees Celsius to about 300 degrees Celsius, which will increase the safety of buildings. Energy saving and other aspects have application prospects.
The international academic journal "German Applied Chemistry" recently published this result. Yu Shuhong's research group developed a composite aerogel with double network structure, with a dendritic microporous structure, fiber size within 20 nanometers, and the two components each form a continuous network, realizing the organic and inorganic components. Uniform dispersion at the nanoscale. This aerogel can withstand 60% compression without breaking, has good mechanical strength and processability; the two components have a strong interaction, synergy with its porosity, resulting in a good thermal insulation effect , better than traditional foamed polystyrene, mineral wool and other materials.
The researchers used a propane-butane torch flame of 1300 degrees Celsius to measure the fire resistance of this aerogel and recorded the temperature change on the back of the sample using an infrared thermal imager. After 30 minutes of testing, the temperature at the back of the sample was stabilized at about 300 degrees Celsius, and with the burning of organic components, the silica network was exposed and adhered to the aerogel surface without falling off, and continued to function as insulation.
It is understood that this new material's excellent fire-retardant and flame-resistant erosion resistance can avoid the failure of the building's load-bearing structure in the event of fire, and strive for valuable time for the evacuation of personnel. In addition, the use of thermal insulation materials can increase the energy efficiency of buildings and reduce energy consumption.
