Ceramizable Perforated Silicone Foam for Thermal Insulation and Refractory Building Materials

Xiang-Yuan Tian; Xin Zhang; Dian-Bo Zhang; Ya Liu; Xiao-Pei Wang; Zhen-Xiu Zhang

doi:10.1007/s10118-026-3612-y

Your Location：

Home >

Browse articles >

Ceramizable Perforated Silicone Foam for Thermal Insulation and Refractory Building Materials

RESEARCH ARTICLE | Updated：2026-05-30

- Ceramizable Perforated Silicone Foam for Thermal Insulation and Refractory Building Materials
- Ceramizable Perforated Silicone Foam for Thermal Insulation and Refractory Building Materials
- Chinese Journal of Polymer Science 2026年44卷第6期页码：1868-1882
- Affiliations：
  
  Key Laboratory of Rubber-Plastics, Ministry of Education/Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Rubber-Plastics, Qingdao University of Science and Technology, Qingdao 266042, China
- Author bio：
  
  xiaopeiwang@qust.edu.cn (X.P.W.)
  zhangzhenxiu@qust.edu.cn (Z.X.Z.)
- Funds：
  
  This work was financially supported by the Natural Science Foundation of Qingdao Municipality (No. 25-1-1-99-zyyd-jch) and the Natural Science Foundation of Shandong Province (No. ZR2024QE446).;The authors declare no interest conflict.Electronic supplementary information (ESI) is available free of charge in the online version of this article at http://doi.org/10.1007/s10118-026-3612-y.The data that support the findings of this study are available from the corresponding author upon reasonable request.
- DOI：10.1007/s10118-026-3612-y
  中图分类号：
- 收稿：2025-11-24，
  
  修回：2026-01-24，
  
  录用：2026-02-04，
  
  网络首发：2026-04-09，
  
  纸质出版：2026-06-05
- Accepted：
Scan QR Code
Tian, X. Y.; Zhang, X.; Zhang, D. B.; Liu, Y.; Wang, X. P.; Zhang, Z. X. Ceramizable perforated silicone foam for thermal insulation and refractory building materials. Chinese J. Polym. Sci. 2026, 44, 1868–1882

Xiang-Yuan Tian, Xin Zhang, Dian-Bo Zhang, et al. Ceramizable Perforated Silicone Foam for Thermal Insulation and Refractory Building Materials[J]. Chinese Journal of Polymer Science, 2026, 44(6): 1868-1882.
Tian, X. Y.; Zhang, X.; Zhang, D. B.; Liu, Y.; Wang, X. P.; Zhang, Z. X. Ceramizable perforated silicone foam for thermal insulation and refractory building materials. Chinese J. Polym. Sci. 2026, 44, 1868–1882 DOI： 10.1007/s10118-026-3612-y.

Xiang-Yuan Tian, Xin Zhang, Dian-Bo Zhang, et al. Ceramizable Perforated Silicone Foam for Thermal Insulation and Refractory Building Materials[J]. Chinese Journal of Polymer Science, 2026, 44(6): 1868-1882. DOI： 10.1007/s10118-026-3612-y.

摘要

The diagram presents two scenarios: the material undergoes ceramization at high temperatures to achieve flame retardancy and heat insulation

while retaining heat at low temperatures to reduce heat loss

demonstrating its excellent flame-retardant

heat-insulating

and thermal preservation properties.

Abstract

Liquid silicone rubber foam (LSRF) offers superior processability

high mechanical flexibility

and low thermal conductivity

which are of great significance for achieving long-term thermal insulation and fire resistance but remain challenging to achieve. We first prepared LSRF with excellent open-cell performance

achieving a water absorption rate of 242.5%

and then explored the advantages of flame-retardant solution impregnation in the open-cell structure. Meanwhile

the synergistic flame-retardant effect of kaolin (KL)

glass powder (GP)

and silica aerogel (AG) was investigated. When the composite formulation was LSRF/30KL10GP20AG

the material exhibited outstanding flame-retardant properties: the limiting oxygen index (LOI) reached 33.2%

an increase of 9% compared with unfilled LSRF

the vertical burning rating was V-0

and the water contact angle of the surface after combustion was 160.35°

meeting the superhydrophobic standard. At the same time

the sample LSRF/30KL10GP20AG showed a 49.6% reduction in peak heat release rate and an 83.8% reduction in total peak smoke production compared to LSRF. Under butane-flame impingement at 1300 °C

the flame-retardant LSRF maintained an intact structure for 120 s

with the backside temperature rising only to 219 °C

demonstrating excellent thermal insulation performance. In a high-temperature environment at 800 °C

the foam well retained its original cell structure and maintained volume stability

forming a dense

hard ceramicized carbon layer with a compressive strength of 2.69 MPa. The fillers were uniformly impregnated and distributed on the foam surface and cell walls

endowing the material with durable flame retardancy

low smoke generation

and minimal toxic gas release

effectively inhibiting the spread of flames during fires and enabling LSRF foam to be widely applied in the field of building flame retardancy.

关键词

Keywords

references

Hu, F.; Wu, S.; Sun, Y. Hollow-structured materials for thermal insulation. Adv. Mater. 2019 , 31 , 1801001..

Han, T. L.; Guo, B. F.; Zhang, G. D.; Tang, L. C. Facile synthesis of hollow glass microsphere filled PDMS foam composites with exceptional lightweight, mechanical flexibility, and thermal insulating property. Molecules 2023 , 28 , 2614..

Lou, F.; Yan, W.; Guo, W.; Li, Q. Preparation and properties of ceramifiable flame-retarded silicone rubber composites. J. Therm. Anal. 2017 , 130 , 813−821..

Song, J.; Zhang, X.; Wang, J.; Sun, J.; Shi, A. Ceramifiable flame-retarded silicone rubber composites based on novel phosphorus/nitrogen/silicon-containing flame retardants. Silicon 2023 , 15 , 5001−5011..

Wang, X.; Huang, A.; Zhao, M.; Li, J.; Li, S.; Li, X. Preparation and ablation properties study of a single component ceramifiable RTV silicone rubber. J. Rubber Res. 2023 , 26 , 391−405..

Li, P.; Jin, H.; Wei, S.; Liu, H.; Gao, N.; Shi, Z. Ceramization mechanism of ceramizable silicone rubber composites with nano silica at low temperature. Materials 2020 , 13 , 3708..

Wang, Q. Z.; Cui, C. X.; Liu, S. J.; Zhao, L. C. Open-celled porous Cu prepared by replication of NaCl space-holders. Mater. Sci. Eng. A 2010 , 527 , 1275−1278..

Shang, K.; Lin, G. D.; Jiang, H. J.; Jin, X.; Zhao, J.; Liu, D.; Zhao, B.; Yang, J. J.; Fu, T.; Wang, J. S. Flame retardancy, combustion, and ceramization behavior of ceramifiable flame-retardant room temperature vulcanized silicone rubber foam. Fire Mater. 2023 , 47 , 1082−1091..

Lin, T.; Shang, K.; Lin, G. D.; Wang, J. S.; Yang, J. J. Ceramifiable flame-retardant silicone rubber foam for long-term fire resistance and thermal insulating. Chem. Eng. J. 2025 , 519 , 165733..

Liu, X.; Ma, L.; Sheng, Y.; Liu, S.; Wei, G.; Wang, X. Synergistic flame-retardant effect of modified hydrotalcite and expandable graphite for silicone rubber foam. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2023 , 140 , e53471..

Han, Y.; Yang, L.; Yu, Z.; Zhao, Y.; Zhang, Z. X. Lightweight and flame retardant silicone rubber foam prepared by supercritical nitrogen: The influence of flame retardants combined with ceramicizable fillers. Constr. Build. Mater. 2023 , 370 , 130735..

Wang, Z.; Wang, C.; Gao, Y.; Li, Z.; Shang, Y.; Li, H. Porous thermal insulation polyurethane foam materials. Polymers 2023 , 15 , 3818..

Zhang, Y.; Jing, M.; Zhang, M.; Hou, S.; Zhang, B. Preparation and properties of silica gel foam as fire-retardant with high water retention for wood. Fire Technol. 2022 , 58 , 3597−3621..

Peng, L.; Lei, L.; Liu, Y.; Du, L. Improved mechanical and sound absorption properties of open cell silicone rubber foam with NaCl as the pore-forming agent. Materials 2021 , 14 , 195..

[Li, Y.; Wang, Z.; Guo Z. Preparation and compression behavior of high porosity, microporous open-cell Al foam using supergravity infiltration method. Materials , 2024 , 17 , 36..

Omidi-Ghallemohamadi, M.; Ahmadi-Khaneghah, A.; Behniafar, H. Epoxy networks possessing polyoxyethylene unites and loaded by Jeffamine-modified graphene oxide nanoplatelets. Prog. Org. Coat. 2019 , 134 , 264−271..

Park, J. H.; Minn, K. S.; Lee, H. R.; Yang, S. H.; Yu, C. B.; Pak, S. Y.;Oh, C. S.; Song, Y. S.; Kang, Y. J.; Youn, J. R. Cell openness manipulation of low density polyurethane foam for efficient sound absorption. J. Sound Vib. 2017 , 406 , 224−236..

Aghaei, P.; Visconti, C. G.; Groppi, G.; Tronconi, E. Development of a heat transport model for open-cell metal foams with high cell densities. Chem. Eng. J. 2017 , 321 , 432−446..

Chen, J.; Li, X.; Li, W.; He, J.; Li, C.; Dai, S.; Chen, J.; Ren, Y. Study on the compression properties and deformation failure mechanism of open-cell copper foam. Adv. Eng. Mater. 2017 , 19 , 1600861..

Karimi, E. Z.; Barzegar, F.; Moloodi, A.; Zolfaghari, R. Hardness and compressive properties of open-cell nickel foam reinforced by nano-SiC particles. Metall. Mater. Trans. B 2021 , 52 , 3439−3446..

Fu, H.; Yin, D.; Wang, T.; Gong, W.; Zhou, H. Open pore morphology evolution in poly(butylene succinate)/chitin nanocrystal nanocomposite foams. J. Polym. Environ. 2022 , 30 , 401−414..

Durif, C.; Wynn, M.; Balestrat, M.; Kim, Y. W.; Leriche, A.; Miele, P.; Colombo, P. Open-celled silicon carbide foams with high porosity from boron-modified polycarbosilanes. J. Eur. Ceram. Soc. 2019 , 39 , 5114−5122..

Parker, S. F.; Klehm, U.; Albers, P. W. Differences in the morphology and vibrational dynamics of crystalline, glassy and amorphous silica-commercial implications. Mater. Adv. 2020 , 1 , 749−759..

Zhuo, H.; Chen, Y.; Xie, H.; Huang, X.; Guro, V. P.; Tadjiev, K.; Li, Y. Nanoporous silica-chitosan aerogels for thermal insulation and flame retardancy. ACS Appl. Nano Mater. 2024 , 7 , 4784−4795..

Li, M.; Bi, S.; Chen, C.; Hai, W.; Jiang, Z.; Meng, Q.; Hao, E.; Li, H.; Shao, H., Shao, G.; Jiang, J.; Chen, N. Comparison of multi-component and mono-component intumescent flame retardants for thermoplastic polyurethane composites. J. Vinyl Addit. Technol. 2024 , 30 , 997−1009..

Cao, J.; Wang, D.; Wang, L.; Feng, S. A Superhydrophobic and oleophobic silicone sponge with hierarchical structures. Macromol. Rapid Commun. 2021 , 42 , 2000761..

Yu, S.; Liu, Y.; Cao, J.; Wen, S.; Zhang, Z. Supercritical N 2 -induced lightweight high-strength chloroprene rubber foam with excellent flame-retardant and smoke suppression. Composites, Part A. 2025 , 190 , 108663..

Yu, Z.; Song, Y.; Yang, L.; Wen, S.; Zhao, Y.; Zhang, Z. Lightweight and flame retardant fluorosilicone rubber composited foam prepared by supercritical nitrogen. J. Vinyl Addit. Technol. 2023 , 29 , 901−908..

Jiang, Z.; Chen, Z.; An, Y.; Wang, S.; Li, T.; Liu, H.; Zhang, H.; Yang, W.; Lu, H.; Wei, C. Fire retardancy properties of ceramifiable polydimethylsiloxane/hydroxyapatite composites. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2025 , 142 , e57597..

Wu, Z.; Zhao, Y.; Li, H.; Zeng, X.; Lin, J.; Wu, J.; Zhou, Y.; Chen, G.; Lai, X. Multifunctional ceramifiable silicone foam for smart fire fighting. Chem. Eng. J. 2024 , 496 , 154149..

Wang, S.; Chen, Y.; Zhang, J.; Wang, T.; Niu, Y.; Wang, J. Enhanced flame retardancy of polyurethane foam with alginate-based flame-retardant coating. Int. J. Biol. Macromol. 2025 , 289 , 138968..

Wu, Q.; Zhang, Q.; Zhao, L.; Li, S. N.; Wu, L. B.; Jiang, J .X.; Tang, L. C. A novel and facile strategy for highly flame retardant polymer foam composite materials: transforming silicone resin coating into silica self-extinguishing layer. J. Hazard. Mater. 2017 , 336 , 222−231..

Cao, C. F.; Wang, P. H.; Zhang, J. W.; Guo, K. Y.; Li, Y.; Xia, Q. Q.; Zhang ,G. D.; Zhao, L.; Chen, H.; Wang, L. One-step and green synthesis of lightweight, mechanically flexible and flame-retardant polydimethylsiloxane foam nanocomposites via surface-assembling ultralow content of graphene derivative. Chem. Eng. J. 2020 , 393 , 124724..

Shang, K.; Jiang, H.; Zhao, J.; Zhao, B.; Jin, X.; Lin, G.; Yang, J.; Wang, J. Fabrication of CoFe-layered double hydroxide for flame retardant and smoke suppression of silicone rubber foam. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2024 , 141 , e56087..

Hur, K.; Lee, H. J.; Wi, S.; Chang, S. J.; Kim, S. Barrier effect of insulation against harmful chemical substances according to the wall surface construction of layered building materials. Constr. Build. Mater. 2023 , 368 , 130430..

Hoehn, R. M.; Jahl, L. G.; Herkert, N. J.; Hoffman, K.; Soehl, A.; Diamond, M. L.; Blum, A.; Stapleton, H. M. Flame retardant exposure in vehicles is influenced by use in seat foam and temperature. Environ. Sci. Technol. 2024 , 58 , 8825−8834..

Cao, C. F.; Yu, B.; Guo, B. F.; Hu, W. J.; Sun, F. N.; Zhang, Z. H.; Li, S. N.; Wu, W.; Tang, L. C.; Song, P.; Wang, H. Bio-inspired, sustainable and mechanically robust graphene oxide-based hybrid networks for efficient fire protection and warning. Chem. Eng. J. 2022 , 439 , 134516..

Dong, F.; Wang, Y.; Wang, S.; Shaghaleh, H.; Sun, P. Flame-retarded polyurethane foam conferred by a bio-based nitrogen-phosphorus-containing flame retardant. React. Funct. Polym. 2021 , 168 , 105057..

Xi, W.; Qian, L.; Li, L. Flame retardant behavior of ternary synergistic systems in rigid polyurethane foams. Polymer 2019 , 11 , 207..

Zhao, D.; Kong, L.; Wang, J.; Jiang, G.; Zhang, J.; Shen, Y.; Wang, T. Ceramifiable silicone rubber composit es with enhanced self-supporting and ceramifiable properties. Polymer 2022 , 14 , 1944..

Zhao, D.; Liu, T.; Xu, Y.; Zhang, J.; Shen, Y.; Wang, T. Investigation of the thermal degradation kinetics of ceramifiable silicone rubber-based composite. J. Therm. Anal. 2023 , 148 , 6487−6499..

Li, S.; Wei, C.; Zhou, L.; Wang, P.; Wang, W. Microstructure and fracture strength of silicon nitride ceramics consolidated by oscillatory pressure sintering. Ceram. Int. 2019 , 45 , 15671−15675..

Zhao, Z.; Li, C.; Yu, R.; Le, L.; Liu, M,; Zhang, Z. A lava-inspired ceramicized strategy to fabricate flame retardant coating with glass powder and boron nitride for wood fire prevention. Appl. Surf. Sci . 2025 , 164551..

Hou, Z.; Liu, C.; Liu, L.; Zhang, S. Microstructural evolution and densification behavior of porous kaolin-based mullite ceramic added with MoO 3 . Ceram. Int. 2018 , 44 , 17914−17918..

浏览量

Downloads

CSCD

文章被引用时，请邮件提醒。

Submit

工具集

关联资源

Activated Carbon-derived Polyester Elastomer Foams with Tailored Structure and Blackness for High-performance Thermally Insulating Applications

Microcellular Foaming-derived Superlight Ultra-high Molecular Weight Poly(vinylidene fluoride) Foams for Outstanding Thermal Insulation Applications

Fabrication of Polytetrafluoroethylene Aerogels with Excellent Sound Absorption and Thermal Insulation

Core Structure Modulation of 2D Nanosheets by Selective Crystallization-driven Self-assembly of Polyhedral Oligomeric Silsesquioxane-containing Block Copolymers

A Simple Method for Evaluating Periodic Structures Based on Atomic Force Microscopy Images