a method of forming a porous material having improved compressive strength , includes forming an aerogel precursor that includes a polymer having a functional group capable of undergoing a crosslinking reaction dispersed in a dispersion medium . the precursor also includes a crosslinking agent . the aerogel precursor is frozen so that the dispersion is solidified , and freeze dried to sublime the dispersion medium and form the porous material . the crosslinking agent is reacted with the functional group to effect crosslinking , thus improving the compressive strength of the porous material .