A new trend for development of mechanically robust hybrid silica aerogels

In this study, a mechanically robust silica aerogel has been successfully prepared based on the integration of a crosslinker in the poly (butyl acrylate) grafted silica network via surface - initiated reversible addition fragmentation chain transfer technique. Substantial improvements regarding the compressive strength with only a slight difference in aerogel physical properties have been achieved. (C) 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.