Loads transfer across static electrical phase interfaces in silica aerogel/polymethyl methacrylate composites

Abstract Silica aerogel (SA)/polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) composites with static electrical phase interfaces were prepared to investigate loads transfer across the interfaces. Preparations of SA/polymer hybrid composites were based on the interaction between the positive charges in SA and negative charges in polymer. Characterizations of the SA, polymers, and composites were performed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Raman spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and so on. A Raman microscope system was employed for the investigation of loads transfer across phase interfaces. The results indicated that the SA/PMMA composites with static electrical phase interfaces and nanoporous structure were obtained. Based on the Raman mapping results, the composite with covalent bonding phase interfaces got the most efficient load transfer ability. The load transfer through the static electrical phase interfaces in composites is also effective. The static electrical phase interfaces that are physical interactions between the silica phase and polymer phase are with high interfacial thermal resistances, and the heat flux could be held in silica phase. It could be achieved with minimal changes to the overall thermal conductivity of the material as possible.