Lightweight, robust aerogel composites combining high-temperature insulation with mechanical load-bearing can be fabricated in large sizes

https://www.eurekalert.org/news-releases/1090045

"carbon fiber reinforced using expandable graphite interfacial bonding agent... ceramic-based aerogel composites with novel precursor impregnation/ in-situ dual-morphology growth... enables simultaneous formation of dense silicon carbide coatings/ nanowire network within carbon fiber structure, improving oxidation resistance/ ablation... both types of composites demonstrated the feasibility of large-size fabrication, with samples successfully prepared and capable of being cut and processed as needed"