Scholarlink

<p>Silica aerogels (SAs) impart low density and excellent thermal insulation to polymer systems, yet incorporating hydrophobic SAs into aqueous rubber latex systems remains challenging owing to their poor dispersibility and potential to destabilize the latex. Although previous studies have dispersed SAs in aqueous poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA), the stability of such dispersions and their effectiveness as bridging media for latex integration have not been thoroughly evaluated, which limits their practical application in latex compounding. This study systematically examined how the surface chemistry governs hydrolytic stability, interfacial behavior, and latex compatibility in PVA-assisted aqueous processing. Two hydrophobic SAs were prepared: ethoxy-modified SA (E-SA) and methyl-modified SA (M-SA). Both initially formed a homogeneous PVA slurry, but E-SA rapidly hydrolyzed its surface —OCH<sub>2</sub>CH<sub>3</sub> groups, releasing ethanol, becoming hydrophilic, and undergoing irreversible nanopore collapse. In contrast, M-SA maintains its structural integrity and hydrophobicity because its —Si(CH<sub>3</sub>)<sub>3</sub> groups are highly resistant to hydrolysis. This divergence dictates the behavior during latex blending. The ethanol released from E-SA disrupts electrostatic and steric stabilization, inducing latex coagulation, whereas M-SA/PVA dispersions preserve colloidal stability across diverse latex systems. As a practical demonstration, M-SA-reinforced chlorosulfonated polyethylene (CSM) rubber latex composites show more than a 50% reduction in thermal conductivity while maintaining chemical resistance, enabling high-performance insulating protective gloves and coatings. This work establishes a critical link between aerogel surface chemistry and aqueous processing stability, providing a mechanistic foundation for the rational design of water-based rubber/silica aerogel composites and next-generation thermal insulation materials.</p>

错误：搜索内容不能为空，请输入英文关键词
错误：关键词超出字数限制，请精简
高级检索

Stable Integration of Hydrophobic Silica Aerogels into Rubber Latex via Poly(vinyl alcohol)-assisted Aqueous Processing for Thermal Insulating Composites

  • 期刊论文

  • 发表日期：

    2026年2月6日

查看全文
  • Yan-Chun Han,
  • Fang-Shuo Li,
  • Jian-Chao Zhang,
  • Quan Wang,
  • Guo-Hui Yang,
  • Miao Yu,
  • Feng Wang,
  • Yong-Xin Duan,
  • Lu Zong,
  • Bo-Xiao Li,
  • Jian-Ming Zhang

摘要

Silica aerogels (SAs) impart low density and excellent thermal insulation to polymer systems, yet incorporating hydrophobic SAs into aqueous rubber latex systems remains challenging owing to their poor dispersibility and potential to destabilize the latex. Although previous studies have dispersed SAs in aqueous poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA), the stability of such dispersions and their effectiveness as bridging media for latex integration have not been thoroughly evaluated, which limits their practical application in latex compounding. This study systematically examined how the surface chemistry governs hydrolytic stability, interfacial behavior, and latex compatibility in PVA-assisted aqueous processing. Two hydrophobic SAs were prepared: ethoxy-modified SA (E-SA) and methyl-modified SA (M-SA). Both initially formed a homogeneous PVA slurry, but E-SA rapidly hydrolyzed its surface —OCH2CH3 groups, releasing ethanol, becoming hydrophilic, and undergoing irreversible nanopore collapse. In contrast, M-SA maintains its structural integrity and hydrophobicity because its —Si(CH3)3 groups are highly resistant to hydrolysis. This divergence dictates the behavior during latex blending. The ethanol released from E-SA disrupts electrostatic and steric stabilization, inducing latex coagulation, whereas M-SA/PVA dispersions preserve colloidal stability across diverse latex systems. As a practical demonstration, M-SA-reinforced chlorosulfonated polyethylene (CSM) rubber latex composites show more than a 50% reduction in thermal conductivity while maintaining chemical resistance, enabling high-performance insulating protective gloves and coatings. This work establishes a critical link between aerogel surface chemistry and aqueous processing stability, providing a mechanistic foundation for the rational design of water-based rubber/silica aerogel composites and next-generation thermal insulation materials.