A. Sahu, M. Loll, D. Hickerson, C. Robinson, A. Jorgensen
American Nano, LLC,
United States
Keywords: silica, thermal stability, polymer
Summary:
We have manufactured an amorphous hydrated silica in fibrous form manufactured using a proprietary patent protected process. This polymer is an thermally stable material that can withstand flame tests (up to 2000 ⁰C) with thermogravimetric analysis demonstrating a weight loss of less than 20% at 1500 ⁰C. The morphology, chemical composition, and crystallinity of these microfibrils were analyzed using scanning electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, energy dispersive X ray spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction. The X-Ray diffraction exhibited a characteristic amorphous matrix. Scanning electron microscopy revealed long slender microfibrillar structure without the presence of any nodules. These matrices were ball milled for 10 minutes and the surface area of these matrices was found to increase to 231.189 m2/g. These materials show potential applications in adsorption and thermal insulation, and under surface modification, can be extended to separation or catalytic applications.