Layered ZrO₂/SiO₂ aerogel composite fibrous flexibility membrane for thermal insulation and sound absorption

As promising candidates for widespread application, advanced ceramic fiber mats with robust mechanical properties are urgently needed. However, the brittleness, fatigue failure, and large density of ceramic fiber pose significant obstacles to its practical application. Herein, a novel SiO2 aerogel/ZrO2 composite nanofibrous membrane (SZCNFM) with excellent flexibility was prepared by introducing SiO2 aerogel nanoparticles into ZrO2 nanofiber via simple co-electrospinning. The developed tetragonal zirconia phase without changing up to 1200degree celsius endows SZCNFM material with excellent thermal stability. Furthermore, the as-prepared membranes exhibit fatigue resistance ability which can maintain 98% of the original stress after 100 buckling cycle tests. The addition of mesoporous structure aerogel reduces the heat transfer of the nanofibrous membrane, giving its low thermal conductivity (30 mW/m/K) and low-frequency sound absorption (noise reduction coefficient of 0.52). Combined with the high-temperature resistance, low thermal conductivity and excellent sound-absorption ability make it a promising material for heat insulation and acoustic absorption.