The fibers or portions thereof may be portions of (e.g., a powder formed from) a mat (e.g., a non-woven mat) of silica fibers formed by electrospinning a sol-gel. The sol-gel may be prepared with tetraethyl orthosilicate (TEOS). Prior to electrospinning the sol-gel, the sol-gel may be produced from an initial sol including, consisting essentially of, or consisting of 70% to 90% TEOS by weight, 8% to 25% ethanol by weight, an acid catalyst, and water. The initial sol may include, consist essentially of, or consist of 70% to 90% TEOS by weight, 8% to 25% ethanol by weight, an acid catalyst, and water. The initial sol may contain 70% to 90% TEOS by weight, 8% to 25% ethanol by weight, an acid catalyst, and the balance water. The initial sol may include, consist essentially of, or consist of 70% to 90% TEOS by weight, 8% to 25% ethanol by weight, an acid catalyst, and water. The initial sol may contain 70% to 90% TEOS by weight, 8% to 25% ethanol by weight, an acid catalyst, and the balance water. The initial sol may include, consist essentially of, or consist of 70% to 90% TEOS by weight, 8% to 25% ethanol by weight, an acid catalyst, and water. The initial sol may include, consist essentially of, or consist of 70% to 90% TEOS by weight, 8% to 25% ethanol by weight, 1% to 10% water by weight, and the acid catalyst. The initial sol may include, consist essentially of, or consist of 75% to 85% by weight TEOS, 12% to 20% by weight ethanol, and about 2% to 5% by weight water. The initial sol may include, consist essentially of, or consist of about 80% by weight TEOS, about 17% by weight ethanol, and about 3% by weight water. The acid catalyst may include, consist essentially of, or consist of HCl. The initial sol may contain less than about 0.1% of the acid catalyst by weight. The initial sol may contain from 0.02% to 0.08% of the acid catalyst by weight. The initial sol may contain one or more reagents that alter one or more properties of the initial sol, the sol-gel, and/or the silica fibers.

Producing the sol-gel may include transitioning the initial sol for at least 2 days under conditions where humidity is within the range of about 40% to about 80%, and the temperature is within the range of 50° F. to 90° F. The initial sol may be allowed to transition for at least 3 days, at least 4 days, at least 5 days, at least 6 days, or at least 7 days. The initial sol may be allowed to transition for 2 days to 7 days. The sol-gel may be electrospun when the weight is at from 20% to 40% of the starting weight of the initial sol before ripening (transitioning). The sol-gel may be electrospun when the production of ethylene vapor is 10% to 20% relative to the peak production of ethylene vapors during ripening (transitioning) of the initial sol. The sol-gel may be electrospun when the production of ethylene vapor therefrom is 10% to 40% relative to the initial sol before ripening (transitioning).

In another aspect, embodiments of the invention feature a method of making a composition. An initial sol is prepared. The initial sol includes, consists essentially of, or consists of 70% to 90% tetraethylorthosilicate (TEOS), 8% to 25% anhydrous ethanol, an acid catalyst, and water. The initial sol may contain 70% to 90% TEOS, 8% to 25% anhydrous ethanol, an acid catalyst, and the balance water. The initial sol is ripened for at least 2 days at a humidity of 40% to 80% and a temperature of 50° F. to 90° F. to form a sol-gel. The sol-gel is electrospun to form a mat (e.g., a non-woven mat) of silica fibers. At least a portion of the mat is coated with a liquid composition or immersed within a liquid composition. The liquid composition is cured (e.g., via application of heat and/or light (e.g., ultraviolet light)).

Embodiments of the invention may include one or more of the following in any of a variety of combinations. The liquid composition may include, consist essentially of, or consist of a paint, an epoxy, a urethane, and/or an adhesive. The initial sol may include, consist essentially of, or consist of 70% to 90% TEOS by weight, 8% to 25% ethanol by weight, an acid catalyst, and water. The initial sol may contain 70% to 90% TEOS by weight, 8% to 25% ethanol by weight, an acid catalyst, and the balance water. The initial sol may include, consist essentially of, or consist of 70% to 90% TEOS by weight, 8% to 25% ethanol by weight, an acid catalyst, and water. The initial sol may contain 70% to 90% TEOS by weight, 8% to 25% ethanol by weight, an acid catalyst, and the balance water. The initial sol may include, consist essentially of, or consist of 70% to 90% TEOS by weight, 8% to 25% ethanol by weight, an acid catalyst, and water. The initial sol may include, consist essentially of, or consist of 70% to 90% TEOS by weight, 8% to 25% ethanol by weight, 1% to 10% water by weight, and the acid catalyst. The initial sol may include, consist essentially of, or consist of 75% to 85% by weight TEOS, 12% to 20% by weight ethanol, and about 2% to 5% by weight water. The initial sol may include, consist essentially of, or consist of about 80% by weight TEOS, about 17% by weight ethanol, and about 3% by weight water. The acid catalyst may include, consist essentially of, or consist of HCl. The initial sol may contain less than about 0.1% of the acid catalyst by weight. The initial sol may contain from 0.02% to 0.08% of the acid catalyst by weight. The initial sol may contain one or more reagents that alter one or more properties of the initial sol, the sol-gel, and/or the silica fibers.

The initial sol may be allowed to transition for at least 3 days, at least 4 days, at least 5 days, at least 6 days, or at least 7 days. The initial sol may be allowed to transition for 2 days to 7 days. The sol-gel may be electrospun when the weight is at from 20% to 40% of the starting weight of the initial sol before ripening (transitioning). The sol-gel may be electrospun when the production of ethylene vapor is 10% to 20% relative to the peak production of ethylene vapors during ripening (transitioning) of the initial sol. The sol-gel may be electrospun when the production of ethylene vapor therefrom is 10% to 40% relative to the initial sol before ripening (transitioning).

In yet another aspect, embodiments of the invention feature a composition that includes, consists essentially of, or consists of a polymeric solid and, embedded within (i.e., at least partially disposed within or entirely disposed within) the polymeric solid, a non-woven mat of silica fibers.

Embodiments of the invention may include one or more of the following in any of a variety of combinations. The polymeric solid may include, consist essentially of, or consist of an epoxy and/or a urethane. The mat of silica fibers may be formed, at least in part, by electrospinning a sol-gel. The sol-gel may be prepared with tetraethyl orthosilicate (TEOS). Prior to electrospinning the sol-gel, the sol-gel may be produced from an initial sol including, consisting essentially of, or consisting of 70% to 90% TEOS by weight, 8% to 25% ethanol by weight, an acid catalyst, and water. The initial sol may include, consist essentially of, or consist of 70% to 90% TEOS by weight, 8% to 25% ethanol by weight, an acid catalyst, and water. The initial sol may contain 70% to 90% TEOS by weight, 8% to 25% ethanol by weight, an acid catalyst, and the balance water. The initial sol may include, consist essentially of, or consist of 70% to 90% TEOS by weight, 8% to 25% ethanol by weight, an acid catalyst, and water. The initial sol may contain 70% to 90% TEOS by weight, 8% to 25% ethanol by weight, an acid catalyst, and the balance water. The initial sol may include, consist essentially of, or consist of 70% to 90% TEOS by weight, 8% to 25% ethanol by weight, an acid catalyst, and water. The initial sol may include, consist essentially of, or consist of 70% to 900% TEOS by weight, 8% to 25% ethanol by weight, 1% to 10% water by weight, and the acid catalyst. The initial sol may include, consist essentially of, or consist of 75% to 85% by weight TEOS, 12% to 20% by weight ethanol, and about 2% to 5% by weight water. The initial sol may include, consist essentially of, or consist of about 80% by weight TEOS, about 17% by weight ethanol, and about 3% by weight water. The acid catalyst may include, consist essentially of, or consist of HCl. The initial sol may contain less than about 0.1% of the acid catalyst by weight. The initial sol may contain from 0.02% to 0.08% of the acid catalyst by weight. The initial sol may contain one or more reagents that alter one or more properties of the initial sol, the sol-gel, and/or the silica fibers.

Producing the sol-gel may include transitioning the initial sot for at least 2 days under conditions where humidity is within the range of about 40% to about 80%, and the temperature is within the range of 50° F. to 90° F. The initial sol may be allowed to transition for at least 3 days, at least 4 days, at least 5 days, at least 6 days, or at least 7 days. The initial sot may be allowed to transition for 2 days to 7 days. The sol-gel may be electrospun when the weight is at from 20% to 40% of the starting weight of the initial sol before ripening (transitioning). The sol-gel may be electrospun when the production of ethylene vapor is 10% to 20% relative to the peak production of ethylene vapors during ripening (transitioning) of the initial sol. The sol-gel may be electrospun when the production of ethylene vapor therefrom is 10% to 40% relative to the initial sol before ripening (transitioning).

In another aspect, embodiments of the invention feature a particle board that includes, consists essentially of, or consists of one or more binders, a plurality of wood particles dispersed within the one or more binders, and, dispersed within the one or more binders, a plurality of silica fibrous fragments each composed of a plurality of silica fibers or portions thereof.

Embodiments of the invention may include one or more of the following in any of a variety of combinations. The one or more binders may include, consist essentially of, or consist of one or more resins. The fibrous fragments may have an average size (e.g., average diameter, length, width, or other dimension) ranging from approximately 20 μm to approximately 200 μm. The fibers or portions thereof within the fibrous fragments may have a variable diameter of from about 50 nm to about 5 μm. The fibers or portions thereof within the fibrous fragments may have a variable diameter of from about 200 nm to about 1000 nm.

The fibrous fragments may be fragments of a mat (e.g., a non-woven mat) of silica fibers formed by electrospinning a sol-gel. The sol-gel may be prepared with tetraethyl orthosilicate (TEOS). Prior to electrospinning the sol-gel, the sol-gel may be produced from an initial sol including, consisting essentially of, or consisting of 70% to 90% TEOS by weight, 8% to 25% ethanol by weight, an acid catalyst, and water. The initial sot may include, consist essentially of, or consist of 70% to 90% TEOS by weight, 8% to 25% ethanol by weight, an acid catalyst, and water. The initial sol may contain 70% to 90% TEOS by weight, 8% to 25% ethanol by weight, an acid catalyst, and the balance water. The initial sol may include, consist essentially of, or consist of 70% to 90% TEOS by weight, 8% to 25% ethanol by weight, an acid catalyst, and water. The initial sol may contain 70% to 90% TEOS by weight, 8% to 25% ethanol by weight, an acid catalyst, and the balance water. The initial sot may include, consist essentially of, or consist of 70% to 90% TEOS by weight, 8% to 25% ethanol by weight, an acid catalyst, and water. The initial sol may include, consist essentially of, or consist of 70% to 90% TEOS by weight, 8% to 25% ethanol by weight, 1% to 10% water by weight, and the acid catalyst. The initial sol may include, consist essentially of, or consist of 75% to 85% by weight TEOS, 12% to 20% by weight ethanol, and about 2% to 5% by weight water. The initial sol may include, consist essentially of, or consist of about 80% by weight TEOS, about 17% by weight ethanol, and about 3% by weight water. The acid catalyst may include, consist essentially of, or consist of HCl. The initial sol may contain less than about 0.1% of the acid catalyst by weight. The initial sol may contain from 0.02% to 0.08% of the acid catalyst by weight. The initial sol may contain one or more reagents that alter one or more properties of the initial sol, the sol-gel, and/or the silica fibers.

Producing the sol-gel may include transitioning the initial sol for at least 2 days under conditions where humidity is within the range of about 40% to about 80%, and the temperature is within the range of 50° F. to 90° F. The initial sol may be allowed to transition for at least 3 days, at least 4 days, at least 5 days, at least 6 days, or at least 7 days. The initial sol may be allowed to transition for 2 days to 7 days. The sol-gel may be electrospun when the weight is at from 20% to 40% of the starting weight of the initial sol before ripening (transitioning). The sol-gel may be electrospun when the production of ethylene vapor is 10% to 20% relative to the peak production of ethylene vapors during ripening (transitioning) of the initial sol. The sol-gel may be electrospun when the production of ethylene vapor therefrom is 10% to 40% relative to the initial sol before ripening (transitioning).

In yet another aspect, embodiments of the invention feature a particle board that includes, consists essentially of, or consists of one or more binders, a plurality of wood particles dispersed within the one or more binders, and, dispersed within the one or more binders, a plurality of silica fibers or portions thereof.

Embodiments of the invention may include one or more of the following in any of a variety of combinations. The one or more binders may include, consist essentially of, or consist of one or more resins. The fibers or portions thereof may have a variable diameter of from about 50 nm to about 5 μm. The fibers or portions thereof may have a variable diameter of from about 200 nm to about 1000 nm.

The fibers or portions thereof may be fragments of a mat (e.g., a non-woven mat) of silica fibers formed by electrospinning a sol-gel. The sol-gel may be prepared with tetraethyl orthosilicate (TEOS). Prior to electrospinning the sol-gel, the sol-gel may be produced from an initial sol including, consisting essentially of, or consisting of 70% to 90% TEOS by weight, 8% to 25% ethanol by weight, an acid catalyst, and water. The initial sol may include, consist essentially of, or consist of 70% to 90% TEOS by weight, 8% to 25% ethanol by weight, an acid catalyst, and water. The initial sol may contain 70% to 90% TEOS by weight, 8% to 25% ethanol by weight, an acid catalyst, and the balance water. The initial sol may include, consist essentially of, or consist of 70% to 90% TEOS by weight, 8% to 25% ethanol by weight, an acid catalyst, and water. The initial sol may contain 70% to 90% TEOS by weight, 8% to 25% ethanol by weight, an acid catalyst, and the balance water. The initial sol may include, consist essentially of, or consist of 70% to 90% TEOS by weight, 8% to 25% ethanol by weight, an acid catalyst, and water. The initial sol may include, consist essentially of, or consist of 70% to 90% TEOS by weight, 8% to 25% ethanol by weight, 1% to 10% water by weight, and the acid catalyst. The initial sol may include, consist essentially of, or consist of 75% to 85% by weight TEOS, 12% to 20% by weight ethanol, and about 2% to 5% by weight water. The initial sol may include, consist essentially of, or consist of about 80% by weight TEOS, about 17% by weight ethanol, and about 3% by weight water. The acid catalyst may include, consist essentially of, or consist of HCl. The initial sol may contain less than about 0.1% of the acid catalyst by weight. The initial sol may contain from 0.02% to 0.08% of the acid catalyst by weight. The initial sol may contain one or more reagents that alter one or more properties of the initial sol, the sol-gel, and/or the silica fibers.

Producing the sol-gel may include transitioning the initial sol for at least 2 days under conditions where humidity is within the range of about 40% to about 80%, and the temperature is within the range of 50° F. to 90° F. The initial sol may be allowed to transition for at least 3 days, at least 4 days, at least 5 days, at least 6 days, or at least 7 days. The initial sol may be allowed to transition for 2 days to 7 days. The sol-gel may be electrospun when the weight is at from 20%/o to 40% of the starting weight of the initial sol before ripening (transitioning). The sol-gel may be electrospun when the production of ethylene vapor is 10% to 20% relative to the peak production of ethylene vapors during ripening (transitioning) of the initial sol. The sol-gel may be electrospun when the production of ethylene vapor therefrom is 10% to 40% relative to the initial sol before ripening (transitioning).

These and other objects, along with advantages and features of the present invention herein disclosed, will become more apparent through reference to the following description, the accompanying drawings, and the claims. Furthermore, it is to be understood that the features of the various embodiments described herein are not mutually exclusive and may exist in various combinations and permutations. As used herein, the terms “approximately,” “about,” and “substantially” mean±10%, and in some embodiments, ±5%. The term “consists essentially of” means excluding other materials that contribute to function, unless otherwise defined herein. Nonetheless, such other materials may be present, collectively or individually, in trace amounts.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In the drawings, like reference characters generally refer to the same parts throughout the different views. Also, the drawings are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead generally being placed upon illustrating the principles of the invention. In the following description, various embodiments of the present invention are described with reference to the following drawings, in which:

FIGS. 1A and 1B are scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images of collections of silica fibrous fragments produced in accordance with embodiments of the present invention.

FIGS. 2A and 2B are cross-sectional SEM images of molded polyurethane objects, after curing of the polyurethane, containing silica fibrous fragments embedded therewithin in accordance with embodiments of the present invention.

FIGS. 3A-3J are SEM images of silica fibers produced in accordance with embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 4 shows a fiber mat spun with a thickness of about ¼ inch in accordance with embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 5A shows the front side of a molded epoxy resin panel incorporating silica fibrous fragments therewithin in accordance with embodiments of the present invention after ballistics testing; as shown, bullets embedded within the panel.

FIG. 5B shows the back side of the panel of FIG. 5B, showing that bullets did not penetrate through the panel during ballistics testing.

FIG. 6A shows a baseball cap and a liner for the cap that incorporates silica fibrous fragments therewithin in accordance with embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 6B shows the liner of FIG. 6A fitted into the cap of FIG. 6A for impact testing.

FIG. 6C is an external view of a conventional foam-lined plastic baseball helmet utilized for comparative impact testing.

FIG. 6D is an interior view of the helmet of FIG. 6C.

FIG. 7A shows the bottom side of an aluminum sheet treated with a thermal adhesive incorporating silica fibrous fragments therewithin in accordance with embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 7B shows the untreated top side of the aluminum sheet of FIG. 7A.

FIG. 7C shows application of a flame to the treated side of the aluminum sheet of FIGS. 7A and 7B during flame testing.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In various embodiments of the present invention, various properties of compositions (e.g., thermal and/or mechanical properties) are enhanced via the addition of fibrous fragments of silica fiber mats. The silica fiber mat from which the fragments are formed may be fabricated via sol-gel processing followed by electrospinning. In some embodiments, the sol-gel for preparing the silica fiber mat is prepared by a method that includes preparing a first mixture containing an alcohol solvent, a silicon alkoxide reagent such as tetraethylorthosilicate (TEOS); preparing a second mixture containing an alcohol solvent, water, and an acid catalyst; fully titrating the second mixture into the first mixture; and processing (ripening) the combined mixture to form a gel for electrospinning. In some embodiments, the silicon alkoxide reagent is TEOS. Alternative silicon alkoxide reagents include those with the formula Si(OR)₄, where R is from 1 to 6, and preferably 1, 2, or 3.

In some embodiments, the sol includes, consists essentially of, or consists of about 70% to about 90% by weight silicon alkoxide (e.g., TEOS), about 5% to about 25% by weight alcohol solvent (e.g., anhydrous ethanol), an acid catalyst (e.g., less than about 0.1% by weight when using HCl) and water. Any sol or sol-gel described herein may include the balance water (i.e., water may constitute any amount of the sol or sol-gel that is otherwise unspecified). Any sol or sol-gel described herein may optionally contain one or more reagents that may or do alter one or more properties of the sol, the sol-gel, and/or the silica fibers. Such reagents may include, but are not limited to, for example, polymers and polymeric solutions, inert reagents, alcohols, organic and/or aqueous solvents, organic salts, inorganic salts, metals, metal oxides, metal nitrides, metal oxynitrides, carbon (e.g., graphene, graphite, fullerenes, etc.), etc.

In some embodiments, the sol contains 70% to 90% tetraethyl orthosilicate (TEOS) by weight, 8% to 25% ethanol by weight, 1% to 10% water by weight, and an acid catalyst. In some embodiments, the sol contains 75% to 85% by weight TEOS, 12% to 20% by weight ethanol, and about 2% to 5% by weight water. An exemplary sol contains about 80% by weight TEOS, about 17% by weight ethanol, and about 3% by weight water. In some embodiments, the acid catalyst is HCl. For example, the sol may contain less than about 0.1% HCl by weight. For example, the sol may contain from 0.02% to 0.08% HCl by weight. In various embodiments, the sol does not contain an organic polymer, or other substantial reagents, such that the fiber composition will be substantially pure SiO₂. In various embodiments, the sol does not include inorganic salts (e.g., sodium chloride, lithium chloride, potassium chloride, magnesium chloride, calcium chloride, and/or barium chloride), nor are, in various embodiments, inorganic salts mixed with other components of the sol or into the sol itself. In various embodiments, the fiber composition does not include metals or metal oxides (e.g., TiO₂or ZrO₂). In various embodiments, the fiber composition consists essentially of SiO₂, i.e., contains only SiO₂and unintentional impurities, and, in some embodiments, species and/or complexes resulting from the incomplete conversion of the sol to SiO₂(e.g., water and/or chemical groups such as ethoxy groups, silanol groups, hydroxyl groups, etc.).

In some embodiments, the alcohol solvent is an anhydrous denatured ethanol, or in some embodiments, methanol, propanol, butanol or any other suitable alcohol solvent. The first mixture may be agitated, for example, using a magnetic stirrer, vibration platform or table, or other agitation means. The second mixture contains an alcohol solvent, water, and an acid catalyst. The alcohol solvent may be an anhydrous denatured alcohol, or may be methanol, propanol, butanol or any other suitably provided alcohol solvent. Water may be distilled water or deionized water. Enough acid catalyst is added to the mixture to aid in the reaction. This acid catalyst may be hydrochloric acid, or may be sulfuric acid or other suitable acid catalyst. The second mixture may be agitated, for example, magnetic stirrer, vibration platform or table, or other agitation means. In some embodiments, the first mixture (or sol) and the second mixture (or sol) are created without the use of direct heat (i.e., heat applied via extrinsic means such as a hot plate or other heat source).

According to various embodiments, the first mixture and the second mixture are combined by dripping or titrating the second mixture into the first mixture, preferably with agitation. The combined mixture is then further processed by allowing the sol to ripen in a controlled environment until a substantial portion of the alcohol solvent has evaporated to create a sol-gel suitable for electrospinning. For example, the controlled environment may include an enclosure with at least one vent and optionally a fan to draw gases away from the mixture, and which may involve controlled conditions in terms of humidity, temperature, and optionally barometric pressure. For example, the humidity may be controlled (e.g., via use of conventional humidifiers and/or dehumidifiers) within the range of about 30% to about 90%, such as from about 40% to about 80%, or in some embodiments, from about 50% to about 80%, or from about 50% to about 70% (e.g., about 55%, or about 60%, or about 65%). Some humidity may be helpful to slow evaporation of solvent, and thereby lengthen the window for successful electrospinning. In some embodiments, the temperature is in the range of from about 50° F. to about 90° F., such as from about 60° F. to about 80° F., or from about 65° F. to about 75° F. In various embodiments, the sol is not exposed to heat over 150° F. or heat over 100° F., so as to avoid accelerating the transition. In some embodiments, barometric pressure is optionally controlled (e.g., using a low pressure vacuum source such as a pump or a fan). By controlling the environmental conditions during ripening, the time period during which the gel may be electrospun may be lengthened; this time period may be a small window of only several minutes if the ripening process is too accelerated, such as with direct heat. When ripening the sol at a constant humidity of about 55% and temperature of about 72° F., the sol will ripen (gelatinize) in a few days, and the window for successful electrospinning may be expanded to at least several hours, and in some embodiments several days. In various embodiments, the ripening process takes at least 2 days, or at least 3 days in some embodiments. However, in various embodiments the ripening does not take more than 10 days, or more than 7 days. In some embodiments, the ripening process takes from 2 to 7 days or from 2 to 5 days or from 2 to 4 days (e.g., about 2, about 3, or about 4 days). In various embodiments, the sol-gel is spinnable well before it transitions into a more solidified, non-flowable mass.

The enclosure space for ripening the sol-gel may include a vent on at least one surface for exhausting gases from within the enclosure, and optionally the vent may include a fan for exhausting gases produced during the ripening process. The enclosure space may optionally include a heating source (e.g., one or more heating elements, for example resistive heating elements) for providing a nominal amount of heat within the enclosure space, to maintain a preferred temperature. In some embodiments, a source of humidity (e.g., an open container of water or other aqueous, water-based liquid) is provided within the enclosure environment to adjust the humidity to a desired range or value. The enclosure may further include one or more environmental monitors, such as a temperature reading device (e.g., a thermometer, thermocouple, or other temperature sensor) and/or a humidity reading device (e.g., a hygrometer or other humidity sensor).

In some embodiments, the sol-gel is electrospun after a ripening process of at least 2 days, or at least 36 hours, or at least 3 days, or at least 4 days, or at least 5 days at the controlled environmental conditions (but in various embodiments, not more than 10 days or not more than 7 days under the controlled environmental conditions). By slowing the ripening process, the ideal time to spin the fibers can be identified. The weight of the sol-gel may be used as an indicator of when the sol-gel is at or near the ideal time to electrospin. Without intending to be bound by theory, it is believed that the viscosity of the sol-gel is a poor determinant for identifying the optimal time for electrospinning. For example, in various embodiments, the sol-gel is from about 10% to about 60% of the original weight of the sol (based on loss of alcohol solvent during transitioning). In some embodiments, the sol-gel is from 15 to 50% of the original weight of the sol, or in the range of about 20 to about 40% of the original weight of the sol.

In some embodiments, the sol-gel is ripened for at least 2 days, or at least 36 hours, or at least 3 days, or at least 4 days, or at least 5 days, and is electrospun when the ethylene vapors produced by the composition are between about 10% and about 40% of the vapors produced by the starting sol, such as in the range of about 10% and about 25%, or in the range of about 10% to about 20%. Ethylene is a colorless flammable gas with a faint sweet and musky odor (which is clearly evident as solvent evaporation slows). Ethylene is produced by the reaction of ethanol and acid. Ethylene may optionally be monitored in the vapors using a conventional ethylene monitor. In other embodiments, gases produced by the sol during the sol ripening process are monitored to determine a suitable or optimal time for electrospinning. Gas profiles may be monitored using gas chromatography.

In various embodiments, the sol-gel may be ripened for a shorter period of time, as long as the sol-gel remains spinnable via electrospinning. The resulting silica fiber mat or collection of fibers may in some cases be more brittle after ripening for a shorter time period, but such brittleness may expedite the fragmenting of the fibers for dispersion into various different compositions (as detailed below).

The processing of the sol-gel mixture may require stirring or other agitation of the mixtures at various intervals or continuously due to the development of silicone dioxide crystalline material on the top surface of the mixtures. This development of crystalline material on the top surface slows the processing time and it is believed that the crystalline material seals off exposure of the mixture to the gaseous vacuum provided within the enclosure space. In some embodiments, any solid crystalline material is removed from the mixture.

Upon completion of the sol-gel process, the sol-gel is then electrospun using any known technique. The sol or sol-gel may be preserved (e.g., frozen or refrigerated) if needed (and such time generally will not apply to the time for ripening). An exemplary process for electrospinning the sol-gel is described in Choi, Sung-Seen, et al., Silica nanofibers from electrospinning/sol-gel process, Journal of Materials Science Letters 22, 2003, 891-893, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. Exemplary processes for electrospinning are further disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 8,088,965, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

In an exemplary electrospinning technique, the sol-gel is placed into one or more syringe pumps that are fluidly coupled to one or more spinnerets. The spinnerets are connected to a high-voltage (e.g., 5 kV to 50 kV) source and are external to and face toward a grounded collector drum. The drum rotates during spinning, typically along an axis of rotation approximately perpendicular to the spinning direction extending from the spinnerets to the drum. As the sol-gel is supplied to the spinnerets from the syringe pumps (or other holding tank), the high voltage between the spinnerets and the drum forms charged liquid jets that are deposited on the drum as small entangled fibers. As the drum rotates and electrospinning continues, a fibrous mat of silica fibers is formed around the circumference of the drum. In various embodiments, the spinnerets and syringe pump(s) may be disposed on a movable platform that is movable parallel to the length of the drum. In this manner, the length along the drum of the resulting fiber mat may be increased without increasing the number of spinnerets. The diameter of the drum may also be increased to increase the areal size of the electrospun mat. The thickness of the mat may be largely dependent upon the amount of sol-gel used for spinning and thus the amount of electrospinning time. For example, the mat may have a thickness of greater than about ⅛ inch, or greater than about ¼ inch, or greater than about ⅓ inch, or greater than about ½ inch.

After completion of the electrospinning process, the resulting mat is removed from the drum. For example, the mat may be cut and peeled away from the drum in one or more pieces. The mat may then be divided into small fibrous fragments that may be utilized as an additive in any of a variety of different compositions. In various embodiments, the resulting fibrous fragments are each intertwined collections of silica fibers, rather than unitary solid particles. For example, the electrospun mat may be fractured, cut, ground, milled, or otherwise divided into small fragments that maintain a fibrous structure. The fibers or portions thereof in a fibrous fragment may be held together by, e.g., electrostatic forces, and/or the fibers or fiber portions may be mechanically entangled together. In an embodiment, the mat (or one or more portions thereof) is rubbed through one or more screens or sieves, and the mesh size of the screen determines, at least in part, the size of the resulting fibrous fragments produced from the electrospun mat. For example, the mat or mat portions may be rubbed through a succession of two or more screens having decreasing mesh sizes (e.g., screens having mesh numbers of 100, 200, 300, or even 400), in order to produce a collection of fibrous fragments having the desired sizes. In various embodiments, the average size of a fibrous fragment is in the range of approximately 20 μm to approximately 200 μm. FIGS. 1A and 1B are scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images of collections of silica fibrous fragments produced in accordance with embodiments of the present invention.

In various embodiments, when the mat is divided into fragments, the resulting collection of fragments also includes one or more individual silica fibers or portions thereof. In some embodiments, particularly when dividing the mat into small fragments, one or more, or even each, of the fibrous fragments corresponds to one or more fibers or portions thereof.

After fabrication of the fibrous fragments having the desired size, the fibrous fragments may be mixed into any of a variety of different compositions in order to impart beneficial properties thereto. For example, the fibrous fragments may be mixed into coating or binder materials such as paints, polishes, lacquers, finishes (e.g., for wood), glues, adhesives, epoxies, resins, or sealants. In various embodiments, the fragments are added into the composition at concentrations ranging from approximately 1 gram per quart to approximately 50 grams per quart. Such coating materials may be applied to a variety of different articles to impart one or more beneficial characteristics thereto, for example, cars or other vehicles, boats, houses or other buildings or structures (or portions thereof), helmets or other sports or protective equipment, engine components such as pistons, etc.

The fibrous fragments may also be mixed into materials utilized for shaping or molding into solid objects such as epoxies, urethanes, thermoplastics, thermosetting plastics, resins, etc. In various embodiments, the fragments are added into the composition at concentrations ranging from approximately 0.5 gram per gallon to approximately 10 grams per gallon. In various embodiments, the fibrous fragments are hydrophobic, and the composition is agitated in order to disperse the fragments therewithin after mixing and/or prior to molding of the composition into a shaped article or coating of the composition onto a surface (e.g., of a solid object or a fabric). Compositions may be molded, pressed, extruded, or otherwise shaped to take the shape of solid objects and cured (before and/or after shaping) with the fragments embedded therewithin. In various embodiments, the fragments are inert to the composition in which they are mixed and do not react chemically therewith. The resulting compositions, coatings, and molded objects may exhibit increased thermal resistance (per unit area), increased mechanical strength, and/or increased impact resistance. FIGS. 2A and 2B are SEM images of molded polyurethane objects, after curing of the polyurethane, containing silica fibrous fragments embedded therewithin in accordance with embodiments of the present invention.

In various embodiments of the invention, the electrospun mat of silica fibers itself (or a portion thereof) is embedded within a material or composition utilized for shaping or molding into solid objects such as epoxies, urethanes, thermoplastics, thermosetting plastics, resins, etc., without further fragmentation into fragments. The mat of fibers may impart improved mechanical strength, R-value, impact resistance, etc.

In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a composite material such as particle board is fabricated such that incorporates silica fibrous fragments as detailed herein. As utilized herein, “particle board” refers to any composite or mixed material that includes wood chips, wood fibers, wood powder, and/or other wood particles (and/or chips, fibers, powder, and/or particles derived from other plants or any fibrous lignocellulosic materials), as well as one or more binders (e.g., one or more resins) and that may be shaped (e.g., molded, pressed, and/or extruded) into a solid object (e.g., a sheet, board, plank, flooring or wall or other structural portion, door, subfloor, etc.). Particle board in accordance with embodiments of the invention may also include other components such as, for example, adhesives, waxes, fungicides, dyes, wetting agents, and/or release agents. In various embodiments, wood chips, wood fibers, wood powder, and/or other wood particles are mixed with one or more liquid binders (e.g., one or more resins) such as, for example, urea-formaldehyde, phenol formaldehyde, methylene diphenyl diisocyanate, and/or melamine-urea-formaldehyde. In various embodiments, the binder (and/or any other liquid component) may be sprayed or misted on the wood particles. The resulting mixture may be shaped into the desired object by, e.g., molding, extrusion, and/or pressing. In various embodiments, the binder dries, solidifies, and/or partially evaporates, and the resulting composition is a solid object. Heat may be applied before, during, and/or after shaping to cure and/or dry the binder and/or other liquid components. In accordance with embodiments of the present invention, particle board may also incorporate fibrous fragments fabricated as detailed herein. Such particle board may advantageously exhibit improved fire resistance and/or fire retardance, e.g., an improved R-value. For example, the fibrous fragments may be mixed into the wood and binder mixture prior to shaping of the mixture. Instead or in addition, fibrous fragments, mixed into a liquid composition such as an epoxy or paint may be applied to the particle board after shaping.

The fibrous fragments may also be mixed into a liquid composition, which may subsequently be applied to articles such as fabrics to impart beneficial characteristics thereto. The liquid composition in such embodiments may dry onto the article and become a portion thereof or a layer thereon. For example, silica fiber-containing compositions may be applied to clothing to impart fire resistance or impact resistance thereto in the manner of a fire-resistant suit or an armored or bullet-proof vest.

In various embodiments, the liquid composition itself may be applied to the electrospun mat of silica fibers (or a portion thereof) without further fragmentation of the mat into fragments. That is, the electrospun fiber mat may provide all, or a significant portion, of the mechanical stability, shape, form, etc. of the final article.

In various embodiments, when the fibrous fragments are mixed into a liquid composition, the fibers or portions thereof constituting the fragments may separate from each other, resulting in a dispersion of individual (or small numbers of) silica fibers within the composition. Such fibers may have individual lengths no more than approximately 10×, no more than 5×, or no more than 2× the size of the fragments. In other embodiments, the fibrous fragments may remain substantially intact within the composition.