Date of Publication :21st January 2025

Abstract: Construction waste ash (CWA) presents a transformative opportunity for sustainable material development through its recycling into hydrophobic silica aerogels. This study employs a cost-effective sol-gel method combined with ambient pressure drying to convert industrial waste into high-performance nanomaterials. X-ray fluorescence analysis revealed that CWA contains over 50% silica, enabling efficient extraction as a sodium silicate precursor. The resulting silica aerogel demonstrates remarkable properties, including ultra-low bulk density (0.498 g/cm3), a high specific surface area (288.23 m2/g), and nanoscale porosity. Furthermore, surface modification using trimethylsilyl chloride (TMCS) enhances the aerogel’s hydrophobicity, achieving a contact angle of 122°, i ndicative of superior water repellency. The aerogel was extensively characterized using advanced techniques, confirming its structural integrity and nanoscale features. These exceptional properties make it an ideal candidate for various applications, such as thermal insulation, controlled drug delivery systems, and environmental remediation. By integrating waste recycling with nanotechnology, this research not only addresses critical challenges in waste management but also offers an innovative pathway toward the sustainable production of high-value materials, aligning with circular economy principles and advancing the frontier of materials science.

Index Terms: Aerogel, Construction waste recycling, Hydrophobic materials, Sustainable chemistry.

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