Preparation and physical properties of basalt fiber-reinforced silica aerogels

With increasing demand for high-performance materials in modern industry, lightweight, high-strength, and excellent thermal insulation materials have become a hot topic of research. Basalt fibers, due to their excellent mechanical properties and temperature resistance, are widely regarded as an ideal choice for reinforcing materials. This study aims to prepare basalt fiber-reinforced silica aerogels and conduct an in-depth study of its properties. Silica aerogel with a nano-porous structure was successfully prepared using the sol–gel process, and it was reinforced with basalt fibers. The study investigated the effects of different amounts of basalt fiber on the mechanical properties, thermal stability, and thermal insulation performance of the composite aerogels. The results show that the addition of basalt fibers significantly improved the compressive strength of the composite material while maintaining the low thermal conductivity characteristic of the aerogel. This study provides a new approach for the development of high-performance thermal insulation materials and lays the foundation for the application of basalt fibers in the field of aerogels.