Transparent polyisocyanurate-polyurethane-based aerogels: key aspects on the synthesis and their porous structures

Abstract

The effect of the catalyst concentration on the synthesis and textural properties of polyisocyanurate-polyurethane aerogels is analyzed. The use of different catalyst amounts allows obtaining low-density aerogels (0.10–0.16 g/cm3) with high porosities (85–91%). Their porous structures were analyzed by scanning electron microscopy and nitrogen adsorption–desorption isotherm. A noticeable decrease in the size of the scattering centers, particles and pores, was achieved when reducing the catalyst amount. In some samples, the small size of these features, much smaller than the wavelength of visible light, causes a bare light dispersion, leading to the first transparent polyisocyanurate-polyurethane aerogels. Light transmittance measurements at 532 nm have been made showing high values (ca. 76% for 1 mm thick samples) for the formulations with the smallest particle and pore sizes. These aerogels presenting optical transparency have many potential applications such as solar collectors, glazing systems for insulating windows, and sensors, among others.