Hydrophobic Aerogels from Vinyl Polymers Derived from Radical Polymerization: Proof-of-Concept.

Hydrophilicity is one important drawback of bio-based aerogels. To overcome this issue, a novel approach for the preparation of mesoporous, water repellent aerogels is introduced, which combines synthesis of cross-linked bio-based copolymers from methacrylate copolymerizations, followed by solvent exchange and supercritical drying steps. The influence of monomers with different nonpolar ester groups (methyl, vanillin, tetrahydrofurfuryl) on textural properties and water contact angles of the dry products is assessed.