Advances in Silica Aerogel Insulated Polyester Fabrics

A research team at Tiangong University systematically studied the effect of silica aerogel coatings on the thermal insulation performance of polyester fabrics. Results show that under optimal conditions – 3% aerogel content, 0.25mm coating thickness, and 100°C drying temperature – the temperature difference across the coated fabric reaches up to 16.5°C.

Aerogel, a nanostructured porous material with low density, high porosity, and extremely low thermal conductivity, significantly enhances insulation. The study also found that combining aerogel with nano‑TiO₂, hollow glass microspheres, or antimony‑doped tin oxide further improves performance, with the best results achieved when aerogel is paired with 1.5% hollow glass microspheres.