Directional-Freezing-Assisted In Situ Sol–Gel Strategy to Synthesize High-Strength, Fire-Resistant, and Hydrophobic Wood-Based Composite Aerogels for Thermal Insulation

The undesirable inherent natural characteristics of wood, such as low mechanical strength, flammability, and hygroscopicity, limit its potential applications in the thermal insulation industry. Overcoming these disadvantages can greatly expand the application scope of wood. A new attempt at wood modification, the directional-freezing-assisted in situ sol-gel strategy, was used to obtain wood-silica composite aerogels with the unique multi-level ordered porous structure of wood. This method enables silica nanoparticles to successfully replace lignin and facilitates the formation of strong hydrogen bonds between the silica and cellulose molecules. This results in improved mechanical properties for the composite with a density similar to that of natural wood but a mechanical strength that can be up to five times greater. The thermal conductivity coefficient is also reduced to 0.032 W (m·K)-1 compared to 0.066 W (m·K)-1 for natural wood. This aerogel composite exhibits improved fire resistance and hygroscopicity, with a decomposition temperature increase of approximately 45 °C compared to natural wood. Additionally, the composite demonstrates self-extinguishing behavior, with the structure remaining intact after combustion, and thus enhanced fire resistance. Simultaneously, the enhanced aerogel composite hydrophobicity, with water contact angle of up to 120°, is beneficial to a prominent thermal insulation performance in a high-humidity environment. The successful synthesis of wood-based composite aerogels provides a new and innovative approach for the utilization of wood resources in the thermal insulation industry.