SiC whiskers‐reinforced polyimide aerogel composites with robust compressive properties and efficient thermal insulation performance

Abstract Polyimide (PI) aerogels enable promising application in many fields but are always inhibited by their weak resistance to high temperature and low mechanical properties. Herein, novel PI aerogel composites with efficient heat insulation and high compressive performance are prepared by introducing Silicon carbide whiskers (SiC w ) as reinforcement. The SiC w in aerogel function as shrinkage inhibitor and high temperature stabilizer. The addition of SiC w exhibits obvious enhancement and toughening effect, the compressive strength of the PI aerogel composites increases from 1.09 to 1.96 MPa. These PI aerogel composites also show enhanced high temperature stability. The as‐prepared PI aerogel composites possess integrated properties of high‐temperature resistance, low thermal conductivity, and high compressive strength, which can be the candidate for the application in aerospace.