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VOL. 11, ISSUE 1 (2026)
Aerogel materials derived from waste plastics: Synthesis, structure-property relationships, and applications
Authors
Bui Thi Hoa
Abstract
Aerogels are a unique class of ultralight,
highly porous materials distinguished by their exceptionally low density, high
specific surface area, and outstanding thermal and acoustic insulation
performance. Traditionally fabricated from inorganic precursors such as silica,
aerogels have found applications in aerospace, construction, energy, and
environmental remediation. However, high production costs, brittleness, and
reliance on virgin raw materials have restricted their large-scale adoption. In
recent years, the upcycling of waste plastics into polymer-based aerogels has
emerged as a promising strategy that simultaneously addresses plastic pollution
and enables the production of high-value functional materials. This review
provides a comprehensive and critical analysis of aerogels derived from waste
plastics, with a primary focus on polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polystyrene
(PS), and polyethylene (PE). The fundamental principles of aerogel formation
are discussed, followed by an in-depth examination of waste plastics as
precursors, synthesis routes, and processing-structure-property relationships.
Key physical, thermal, mechanical, and surface properties of waste
plastic-derived aerogels are systematically reviewed and compared with
conventional aerogels. Major application domains, including thermal and acoustic
insulation, oil/water separation, gas adsorption, electromagnetic wave
absorption, and emerging multifunctional uses, are discussed in detail.
Finally, environmental, economic, and scalability considerations are evaluated,
and critical challenges and future research directions are outlined. This
review highlights the significant potential of waste plastic-derived aerogels
as sustainable advanced materials within a circular economy framework.
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Pages:51-55
How to cite this article:
Bui Thi Hoa "Aerogel materials derived from waste plastics: Synthesis, structure-property relationships, and applications". International Journal of Advanced Scientific Research, Vol 11, Issue 1, 2026, Pages 51-55
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