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Investigating the Relationship between Mass of Calcium Carbonate and Insulation of a Sodium Slginate Xerogel

CSEF · 2026 Chemistry (Senior Division)

Gavin Gibson

Overview

This investigation explores how varying the mass of calcium carbonate affects the thermal insulation properties of a sodium alginate based xerogel. Biopolymer xerogels were synthesized using sodium alginate, glycerine, glucono delta lactone, and differing masses of calcium carbonate (1.0-5.0 g), which controlled the degree of ionic cross linking within the gel structure. After freeze drying, each sample was tested by measuring the amount of heat energy transferred to 50 mL of water over a fixed 5 minute heating period on a hot plate. Heat transfer was calculated using temperature change data collected at regular intervals. Results showed a clear positive correlation between calcium carbonate mass and heat energy transfer, with values increasing from approximately 660 J at 1.0 g to 1772 J at 5.0 g. This indicates that higher calcium carbonate content produces denser, less porous structures that conduct heat more efficiently, reducing insulating performance. These findings demonstrate the importance of cross linking density in determining the thermal properties of biopolymer xerogels and highlight their potential as tunable, low cost alternatives to conventional aerogels for sustainable insulation applications.

Competition history

  • CSEF 2026 Chemistry (Senior Division) · Entry S-05-16

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