Aerogel composites and blankets with embedded fibrous material by ambient drying: Reviewing their production, characteristics, and potential applications

Aerogels are three-dimensional nanostructures of non-fluid colloids connected to porous networks made of loosely packed bonded particles. They are often manufactured utilizing the sol-gel technique following a drying procedure like supercritical, freeze, or ambient pressure drying. It is the lightest solid material and has several unique qualities, including excellent insulation. Intrinsic brittleness and porous nature make their processing and handling complex, which restrict applicability in several real-world dynamic situations. An effective strategy to strengthen the silica aerogel structure is manufacturing composites with an incorporated fibrous material, which expands their uses considerably. This study covers the scientific synthesis, characterization, and applications of silica aerogel. It encourages silica aerogel composites/blankets that are strengthened by additives and fibrous material made from a wide variety of fibers and fabrics, as well as their manufacturing processes and properties. The effect of fibrous material (fiber and fabric) embedment on the final properties of composites has been extensively discussed, considering the amount of loading in the matrix and their unique characteristics, such as density, shrinkage, mechanical, thermal, and acoustic properties. Fiber-reinforced silica aerogel composites'/blankets applications are briefly discussed, indicating advancements in aerogel functions such as thermal sensors, acoustic insulators, and technical textiles such as protective clothing, medical textiles, and insulation blankets.