3D Printed Polyimide/Silica Composite Aerogels for Customizable Thermal Insulation from-50℃ to 1300℃

Aerogels are widely used as thermal insulation materials because of their high porosity and low bulk density.However,the insulation performance of aerogels is limited to a narrow temperature range.Besides,the preparation of aerogel materials with precisely controlled and complex architectures is still challenging.Here,we report 3D printed polyimide/silica aerogel particle(PI/SAP)composite aerogels for thermal insulation in a wide range of temperature with customized applications.The printability and shape fidelity of 3D printed composite aerogels is improved by adding hydrophilic SAP as a rheology modifier.The resulting PI/SAP composite aerogel exhibits excellent flame-retardant properties and thermal insulation from-50℃ to 1300℃.Moreover,the PI/SAP composite aerogel with customized shape can be applied for battery insulation at subzero temperatures,promising to be used as customizable and stable insulating materials in a variety of complex and extreme applications.

Ultrathin polyimide-based composites with efficient low-reflectivity electromagnetic shielding and infrared stealth performance

Researching and manufacturing materials that possess both electromagnetic interference(EMI)shielding and infrared stealth capabilities is of great significance.Herein,an ultrathin polyimide-based nonwoven fabric with low-reflection EMI shielding/infrared stealth performance is successfully fabricated by in-situ loading of Fe_(3)O_(4)/Ag nanoparticles on the surface of polyimide(PI)fiber(PFA),and followed by bonding with a commercial Cu/Ni mesh.The synergistic assembly of PFA and Cu/Ni promotes the rational construction of hierarchical impedance matching,inducing electromagnetic waves(EMW)to enter the composite and be dissipated as much as possible.Meanwhile,the existence of Cu/Ni mesh on back of PFA facilitates the formation of electromagnetic resonance and destructive interference of EMW reflected from composite,leading to a lowerreflectivity(0.26)EMI shielding performance of 58 dB within 24–40 GHz at a thinner thickness(430μm).More importantly,the fluffy PFA nonwoven fabric and metal Cu/Ni mesh endow composite with good thermal insulation and low infrared emissivity,resulting in excellent infrared stealth performance in various environments.As a result,such excellent compatibility makes it possible to become a promising defense material to be applied in military tent for preventing electromagnetic and infrared radiation.