Preparing Lightweight Robust Hybrid Aerogel Monoliths from Jute/aramid Fibers Via Supercritical CO2 Drying for Thermal Insulation

Hybrid aerogels combining high-performance and renewable fibers offer a promising pathway for the fabrication of lightweight and thermally efficient insulation materials. In this study, aramid fiber–reinforced jute aerogel composites were fabricated via supercritical carbon dioxide drying. Nanostructural analysis revealed the formation of a three-dimensional interconnected network wherein aramid nanofibers (ANFs) and jute-derived nanofibers synergistically constructed a robust supporting framework. The incorporation of ANFs significantly enhanced the mechanical performance of the aerogels by approximately 22%−69% depending on the ANF content (25%−75%). The resulting aerogels exhibited low density (∼0.036gcm−3), high porosity (∼97%), large specific surface area ∼501m2g−1, high compressive strength (∼3.59MPa), and low thermal conductivity (∼0.027Wm−1K−1) at room temperature (23∘C). The enhanced performance was attributed to the synergy between rigid ANFs and flexible cellulose nanofibers, leading to improved structural integrity and thermal resistance. By integrating one of the strongest natural fiber material with a high-performance synthetic counterpart, this work presents a class of hybrid aerogels with great application potential in lightweight thermal insulation.