Mechanically robust and thermally insulated cellulose aerogel for clothing application

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Aerogels are super-lightweight (with density as low as air) materials with extremely low thermal conductivity, and therefore are promising in thermal insulation applications. Currently, most aerogels are derived from silica or synthetic polymers, which are generally brittle and not sustainable. In this project, the University of British Columbia (Sustainable Functional Biomaterials lab) will work with Lululemon to develop new technologies in synthesizing cellulosic aerogel for thermal management in clothing. The objectives of this project include developing mechanically robust aerogel from sustainable cellulosic materials that could sustain machine wash and mechanical abrasion; and optimizing the cellulose-based aerogel for improved thermal insulation properties under compression. ****