In recent years, the growing demand for sustainable packaging has significantly fueled the quest to explore novel approaches that enhance the applicability of renewable alternatives. This study leverages the unique properties of silica aerogel (SA) to address the limitations of traditional molded pulp products. By integrating SA into recycled paper pulp (RP), we aimed to improve water resistance, thermal stability, and mechanical properties. Composites were prepared with varying SA concentrations (1–10 %). Contact angle measurements showed enhanced hydrophobicity, with RP/SA3 % achieving a contact angle of 152.09°, compared to 122.39° for neat RP. The tensile index (TI) of RP/SA composites with 3 % SA increased by 21.09 % compared to neat RP, indicating better mechanical strength. Thermal conductivity significantly decreased, with RP/SA10 % reducing from 0.155 W m·K in neat RP to 0.088 W m·K, a 43.2 % improvement in thermal insulation. Additionally, composites with 1 % and 3 % SA maintained high biodegradability, showing over 50 % degradation after six weeks in soil. These results suggest that incorporating SA into RP composites enhances their functionality without compromising biodegradability, offering a promising solution for sustainable packaging. As regulatory bodies emphasize resource management and waste reduction, the potential of these innovative and environmentally friendly packaging solutions becomes increasingly significant.

中文翻译：

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推进可持续模压包装：将二氧化硅气凝胶融入再生纸浆中，用于制造热稳定和机械稳定的超疏水复合材料


近年来，对可持续包装的需求不断增长，极大地推动了探索新方法的探索，以增强可再生替代品的适用性。本研究利用二氧化硅气凝胶（SA）的独特性能来解决传统纸浆模塑产品的局限性。通过将 SA 融入再生纸浆 (RP)，我们的目标是提高耐水性、热稳定性和机械性能。复合材料采用不同的 SA 浓度（1-10%）制备。接触角测量显示疏水性增强，RP/SA3% 的接触角为 152.09°，而纯 RP 的接触角为 122.39°。与纯 RP 相比，添加 3% SA 的 RP/SA 复合材料的拉伸指数 (TI) 增加了 21.09%，表明机械强度更好。导热系数显着下降，RP/SA10 % 从纯 RP 中的 0.155 W m·K 降低至 0.088 W m·K，隔热性能提高了 43.2 %。此外，含有 1% 和 3% SA 的复合材料保持了较高的生物降解性，在土壤中放置六周后降解率超过 50%。这些结果表明，将 SA 纳入 RP 复合材料可增强其功能，同时又不影响生物降解性，为可持续包装提供了一种有前景的解决方案。随着监管机构强调资源管理和减少废物，这些创新且环保的包装解决方案的潜力变得越来越重要。