Fabrication and characterization of chitosan-silica aerogels modified by cellulose nanocrystals

The chitosan-silica aerogels (CSAs) modified by CNCs extracted from cheaper wood flour were firstly synthesized via freeze-drying method. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and nitrogen adsorption-desorption method were used to investigate the micro-morphology and porous structure characteristics. Organic–inorganic composite skeletons of CSAs convert silica gels from brittleness to toughness. The addition of CNCs increases the compressive mechanical properties of CSAs, further. All of CSAs present the features of ultralight and thermal insulation. The chitosan-silica aerogels (CSAs) modified by CNCs extracted from cheaper wood flour were firstly synthesized via freeze-drying method. Organic–inorganic composite skeletons of CSAs convert silica gels from brittleness to toughness. The addition of CNCs increases the compressive mechanical properties of CSAs, further. All of CSAs present the features of ultralight and thermal insulation.