The Efficacy of Using Thermal Insulator Powder in the Production of Cellulose Acetate Aerogel Foam

Abstract

This study presents a comprehensive evaluation of the efficacy of infusing thermal insulator powder into cellulose acetate aerogel foam to enhance both the production process and its thermal insulation performance, with a focus on the impact of varying concentrations of thermal insulator powder on the structural and mechanical properties of CAAF, compared to commercially available aerogel foams. The researchers used true experimental quantitative design that allowed them to have precise control over variables, particularly the amount of thermal insulator powder. This method helped establish causal relationships and assessed the impact of the powder on foam properties, particularly thermal insulation. Findings indicate that there is a significant difference in the commercial aerogel foam, cellulose acetate aerogel foam, and cellulose acetate aerogel foam infused with different concentrations of thermal insulator powder in terms of their thermal conductivity and time longevity. However, the results indicated that the infusion of thermal insulator powder did not significantly enhance the physical stability property of the samples.