The Processing and Characterization of DCCA Modified Gel-Derived Silica

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Abstract
The production of small silica gel monoliths by the hydrolysis and polycondensation of tetramethyl orthosilicate (TMS) in a methanol solution is now a common procedure. Drying is generally done slowly in a methanolic atmosphere [1] or under hypercritical conditions [2]. The potential application of sol-gel technology in the production of materials for large structures requires a rapid processing time, which causes a problem due to cracking. For large scale space structures the materials produced also require a low molecular weight, a low densification temperature, control of devitrification and a wide range of physical properties and gel densities. These requirements are potentially met by multicomponent silica based gels [3]. To decrease the drying time, which is the longest part of gel processing, the gel strength needs to be increased to resist cracking and the drying stress reduced. The gel strength can be improved by optimizing the variables in the gel manufacturing process.

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