Reinforced low density alginate-based aerogels: Preparation, hydrophobic modification and characterization

Homogeneous reinforced low density alginate-based aerogel was prepared by ionotropic gelation of sodium alginate. N,N′-methylenebisacrylamide and carboxy-methylcellulose were introduced into the alginate hydrogel matrix as reinforcing agents, respectively. Analysis of FTIR spectra showed that the reinforcing agents had strong interaction with alginate through hydrogen bond, which enhanced the aerogelʹs compression strength effectively. Meanwhile, density and volume shrinkage of the aerogels retained at an appropriate low level. Highly hydrophobic aerogels were obtained by the following targeted modification using a CCl4 plasma treatment. Together with hydrophobicity, the alginate-based aerogels can be used as potential biodegradable, lightweight and oil-absorptive materials.