Cross-linked polyimide (PI) aerogels are highly porous solids having low density, high porosity and low thermal conductivity with good mechanical properties. They are potential candidates for a variety of space and aeronautic applications such as insulation for extravehicular activity (EVA) suits, inflatable aerodynamic decelerators for entry, descent, and landing (EDL), or cryotanks for propulsion systems.  Different flexible PI aerogel films, using an aromatic triamine as a cross-linker have been developed for these purposes.  Recently, some of us have developed stimuli-responsive mechanically-dynamic materials based on nanocomposites of cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs).  Upon exposure to water dramatic changes in the mechanical properties of the CNC nanocomposites is observed. CNCs are environmentally friendly, biodegradable, and biorenewable nanofillers found in most plants and the dermis of sea tunicates.  In this study we explore the possibility of gaining stimuli responsive behavior in PI aerogels by incorporating CNCs within the PI matrix.  A series of PI nano-composite aerogels has been fabricated having 0-13wt% of CNC and the results will be discussed.

Polyimide aerogels fabricated with cellulose nanocrystals

247th National Meeting (2014)

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