Comprehensive Overview on the Computational, Experimental, Numerical, and Theoretical Assessments of Silica Aerogel Composites

Abstract

Silica aerogel (SiA) composites have gained importance due to their ability to overcome the challenges of pure SiA while retaining its superior properties. Their growing significance calls for a closer examination of its assessment methods and performance optimization strategies. Deeper understanding of various assessment methods is essential as it assists in the accurate prediction of the operational stability and environmental resilience of these composites. Addressing performance optimization also remains crucial for the mitigation of structural limitations in SiA composites. This review highlights the advancements and explores the strategies for evaluating the mechanical, thermal, flammability, and radiative properties of SiA composites. It offers an in-depth discussion, revealing not only their thermomechanical behavior, but also their remarkable resistance to fire and radiation. Additionally, this review also examines the development and refinement of theoretical and numerical models. Further, a systematic comparison of continuum mechanics-based simulations with nanoscale (molecular dynamics) simulations reveals critical insights into their accuracies, limitations, and applicability in modeling SiA composites. Exciting insights on the assessments and properties of SiA composites are explored across several experimental, theoretical, numerical, and computational studies. This review also provides an in-depth discussion of performance optimization strategies, limitations, and future prospects while briefly highlighting applications relevant to each assessment. Finally, it presents a distinctive comparative analysis of decade-long studies for each assessment, offering key insights to guide future studies.