Enhancing insulation properties of sodium alginate bioaerogel using plant‐based phytic acid

Abstract In this study, we present a facile and sustainable approach to developing sodium alginate/phytic acid bioaerogels, aiming to enhance their thermal insulation and flame‐retardant properties. The results reveal that a 1% phytic acid concentration is optimal, resulting in a significant reduction in thermal conductivity to 0.040 W/mK, while also improving specific heat capacity and thermal diffusivity. Mechanical tests indicate that at this concentration, the aerogels achieve superior structural integrity, evidenced by enhanced hardness, resilience, and cohesiveness, which are critical for maintaining performance under mechanical stress. Furthermore, the 1% phytic acid bioaerogel exhibited excellent flame retardance, achieving a UL‐94 V‐0 rating and a Limiting Oxygen Index (LOI) of 35%, demonstrating its capacity to resist ignition and slow down flame propagation. In contrast, aerogels with higher concentrations of phytic acid, particularly at 2.5%, displayed structural instability, leading to incomplete gelation and failure to maintain a coherent aerogel matrix. These findings underscore the importance of optimizing phytic acid concentration to balance thermal, mechanical, and fire‐retardant properties, thereby enhancing the practical applications of sodium alginate/phytic acid bioaerogels as eco‐friendly insulation materials. Highlights Optimized 1% phytic acid boosts bioaerogel thermal insulation to 0.040 W/mK. Sodium alginate bioaerogels enhanced with phytic acid achieve UL‐94 V‐0 rating. Phytic acid at 1% concentration ensures mechanical stability and high resilience. High phytic acid (>1%) leads to reduced porosity and structural instability. Eco‐friendly sodium alginate/phytic acid bioaerogels show superior flame resistance.