PBO-Reinforced Aramid III Aerogel

High-Temp, Flame-Retardant, Hydrophobic

Integrates PBO fibers and silane crosslinking to achieve simultaneous high-temperature stability, flame retardancy, and durable superhydrophobicity in a lightweight thermal protection material.

79712062 · Wang, Xinyue · Yunmei, Xie · Wang, Bin · 79712063 · Ruping, Chen · Xiang, Dong · Wu, Yuanpeng · Peng, Tao · Zhang, Jie · 77185469 · Li, Hui · Cheng, Jinbo · Wang, Li · Rui, Wang · Yuefeng, Zhang

Chemical Engineering Journal 2026

Advantages

High char yield

Pyrolysis involves nitrogen-containing intermediate conversion, C2-fragment-mediated scission/recombination, and Si–O–x condensation, which promote condensed-phase char stabilization and gas-phase dilution/endothermic cooling.

Low heat and smoke release

The dense thermally stable char layer and gas-phase dilution reduce heat release and smoke production.

Durable oil-water selectivity

Vapor-phase deposition generates micron-scale silicon microcones and a low-surface-energy organosilane layer, imparting durable superhydrophobicity and hydrophobic-oleophilic selectivity.

Applications

• Aerospace Thermal Protection：Serves as a lightweight insulation layer to withstand extreme aerodynamic heating while reducing structural weight.
• High-Temperature Insulation：Replaces conventional polymer aerogels to maintain structural integrity and reduce heat transfer at high temperatures.
• Flame-Retardant Materials：Acts as a flame-retardant insulation layer, leveraging high char yield and low heat/smoke release to suppress fire spread.
• Oil-Water Separation：Functions as a hydrophobic/oleophilic separation medium for efficient and reusable oil-water separation.