A Triple‐Network Aerogel Composite With Thermally Induced Phoenix‐Like Transformation: From Elastic Ablation Resistance to Efficient EMI Shielding

ABSTRACT The rapid advancement of space science and technology poses severe challenges for deep space probes operating in extreme thermo‐electromagnetic environments. However, traditional rigid aerospace materials lack sufficient deformation adaptability and cannot integrate thermal protection with electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding. To overcome these limitations, we developed a Triple‐Network aerogel composite with thermally induced “Phoenix‐like” transformation, which was fabricated through a molecular‐scale covalent‐coordination strategy. The resulting titanium‐boron‐silicon phenolic aerogel (T‐BS‐PRf) features a triple cross‐linked interpenetrating network, which gives it an ultralow density of ≈0.204 g/cm 3 , excellent elasticity (>92% recovery at 50% strain), and a strength of 1.97 MPa and overcomes the typical strength–elasticity trade‐off. The composite also exhibits outstanding thermal insulation and ablation resistance, maintaining structural integrity with a very low linear ablation rate of 0.00279 mm/s after 30 min under a 1300°C flame. Notably, ablation triggers an in situ ceramic transformation, yielding a porous carbon aerogel (T‐BS‐Cf) that provides outstanding EMI shielding (92.8 dB in the X‐band) and retains robust mechanical properties (8.62 MPa strength, elasticity recovery 94.7% at 40% strain). This work successfully integrates high elasticity, extreme thermal protection, and effective EMI shielding in a single composite, offering a new design strategy for multifunctional spacecraft in extreme environments.

Authors

Institutions

Publication Details

Journal
Advanced Functional Materials
Published
2026-02-02
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1002/adfm.202528431
Citations
1
Primary Topic
Electromagnetic wave absorption materials
Type
article
Field-Weighted Citation Impact
11.44
Controls
|||
ALL TIME
JAN
FEB
MAR
APR
MAY
JUN
JUL
AUG
SEP
OCT
article

A Triple‐Network Aerogel Composite With Thermally Induced Phoenix‐Like Transformation: From Elastic Ablation Resistance to Efficient EMI Shielding

Bin Jun Fei, Jiahui Wu, Guo Wei, Diantang Zhang et al.
1 citations
Advanced Functional Materials
Electromagnetic wave absorption materials
11.44
article

A Triple‐Network Aerogel Composite With Thermally Induced Phoenix‐Like Transformation: From Elastic Ablation Resistance to Efficient EMI Shielding

Bin Jun Fei, Jiahui Wu, Guo Wei, Diantang Zhang, Guofang Qiu, Congke Gu, Xizheng Lian, Wei Wang, Yu Guan, Xin Wang
article en
1 citations

Abstract

ABSTRACT The rapid advancement of space science and technology poses severe challenges for deep space probes operating in extreme thermo‐electromagnetic environments. However, traditional rigid aerospace materials lack sufficient deformation adaptability and cannot integrate thermal protection with electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding. To overcome these limitations, we developed a Triple‐Network aerogel composite with thermally induced “Phoenix‐like” transformation, which was fabricated through a molecular‐scale covalent‐coordination strategy. The resulting titanium‐boron‐silicon phenolic aerogel (T‐BS‐PRf) features a triple cross‐linked interpenetrating network, which gives it an ultralow density of ≈0.204 g/cm 3 , excellent elasticity (>92% recovery at 50% strain), and a strength of 1.97 MPa and overcomes the typical strength–elasticity trade‐off. The composite also exhibits outstanding thermal insulation and ablation resistance, maintaining structural integrity with a very low linear ablation rate of 0.00279 mm/s after 30 min under a 1300°C flame. Notably, ablation triggers an in situ ceramic transformation, yielding a porous carbon aerogel (T‐BS‐Cf) that provides outstanding EMI shielding (92.8 dB in the X‐band) and retains robust mechanical properties (8.62 MPa strength, elasticity recovery 94.7% at 40% strain). This work successfully integrates high elasticity, extreme thermal protection, and effective EMI shielding in a single composite, offering a new design strategy for multifunctional spacecraft in extreme environments.

Advanced Functional Materials
Jiangnan University (CN), University of Science and Technology of China (CN), Hong Kong Polytechnic University (HK), RMIT University (AU)
Openalex Percentile: Top 2%
Electromagnetic wave absorption materials
11.44
AI Navigator

Ask Laika to Summarize, Analyze, and Connect papers live on the map.

Summarize Papers & Methodologies

Extract key findings, datasets, and comparative methods across publications.

Benchmark Rankings & Visual Analytics

Rank top research institutions, authors, funders, topics, and journals by Field-Weighted Citation Impact (FWCI) and paper volume with instant charts.

Connect Distant Disciplines

Bridge topological clusters on the map to find hidden collaborative intersections.