Electrospinning Machine| Ultralight and Elastic Polyimide Microtube Aerogel via AirflowInduced Spinning

Challenge: Low-density thermal insulation materials have long faced the "mechano-thermal compatibility" problem: the optimization conflict between mechanical strength and thermal insulation performance. Elastic aerogels based on ultrafine fibers are important for overcoming the brittleness of traditional aerogels, but further reducing material density, improving thermal insulation, and enhancing mechanical properties are urgent needs for next-generation aerogel materials.

Method: Associate Researcher Wang Haolun from Sichuan University first developed a method for large-scale generation of ultrafine hollow fiber tubes based on coaxial airflow induction technology, successfully constructing in situ an ultra-light, ultra-soft, and super-insulating polyimide fiber tube aerogel (PMAS).

Innovation 1: PMAS exhibits ultra-low density (∼50 mg/cm3), ultra-low thermal conductivity (37 mW/m·K at 25 °C), and excellent elasticity and fatigue resistance, showing no significant stress decay after 1000 compression cycles at 80% strain. Additionally, PMAS maintains stable mechanical performance across temperatures from 77 K to 573 K.

Innovation 2: The paper thoroughly investigates PMAS's formation mechanism, regulation methods, mechanical properties, thermal properties, and application prospects. This material provides new solutions for the "mechano-thermal compatibility" problem in low-density insulation materials under extreme conditions, while the coaxial airflow induction technology establishes a foundation for low-cost, universal production of ultrafine hollow fibers.

https://doi.org/10.1002/adma.202503499