Novel multifunctional polymethylsilsesquioxane-silk fibroin aerogel hybrids for environmental and thermal insulation applications

摘要: The development of aerogels with improved mechanical properties, to expand their utility in high-performance applications, is still a big challenge. Besides fossil-fuel based polymers that have been extensively utilized as platforms enhance the strength silsesquioxane and silica-based aerogels, using green biopolymers from various sustainable renewable resources are currently drawing significant attention. In this work, we process silk fibroin (SF) proteins, extracted silkworm cocoons, organically substituted alkoxysilanes an entirely aqueous solution via successive sol–gel approach, show for first time it possible produce homogeneous interpenetrated (IPN) polymethylsilsesquioxane (PMSQ)–SF hybrid aerogel monoliths significantly properties. Emphasis given improvement molecular interaction two components (SF biopolymer PMSQ) silane coupling agent design pore structure. We succeeded developing novel class compressible, light-weight, hierarchically organized meso–macroporous PMSQ–SF IPN by carefully controlling parameters at level. Typically, these compressive (δmax) up 14 MPa, together high flexibility both compression bending, compressibility 80% strain very low bulk density (ρb) 0.08–0.23 g cm−3. By considering promising superhydrophobic/oleophilic hybrids exhibited competency selective absorption variety organic pollutants (absorption capacities ∼500–2600 g−1 %) water acted filter continuous water/oil separation. Moreover, they demonstrated impressive thermal insulation performance (λ = 0.032–0.044 W m−1 K−1) excellent fire retardancy self-extinguishing capabilities. Therefore, would be new open porous material expected further extend practical applications compounds.