Catalysis in the polymerization of silicic acid

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Abstract
Some aspects of the condensation polymerization of silicic acid have been discussed in a systematic manner. Empirical relationships between the time of gelation and the catalyzer concentration, with both H+ and OH− catalysis, have been suggested. These are found to be consistent with the observations of various authors. Also the activities of both the ionized and un‐ionized species present in the system account for some anomalous observations and the pH optimum for the maximum time of gelation. The idea of a secondary salt effect, introduced by Brönsted, has been found to be helpful in understanding catalyst function.