Nonsupercritical synthesis of microporous gels

• Published in: Journal of applied polymer science Vol. 110; no. 5; pp. 2563 - 2568
• Main Authors: Pollini, M, Sannino, A, Maffezzoli, A, Licciulli, A, Nicolais, L
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Hoboken Wiley Subscription Services, Inc., A Wiley Company 05-12-2008; Wiley
• Subjects: aerogel; Applied sciences; Composites; density; Exact sciences and technology; Forms of application and semi-finished materials; photopolymerization; Polymer industry, paints, wood; silica; sol-gel; Technology of polymers; Methacrylate polymer; density; Aerogel; Hybrid material; Mechanical properties; Dispersion reinforced material; Tensile property; Experimental study; Porous material; Silica; Composite material; sol-gel; Thermal properties; Photopolymerization; Preparation; Crosslinked polymer; Thermal conductivity; Porosity; Silicon polymer
• ISSN: 0021-8995; 1097-4628
• DOI: 10.1002/app.28588

In this work, the development of microporous gels using a novel degradation process not involving supercritical fluids is proposed. Photosensitive organic-inorganic hybrid sols in an alcoholic solution based on TEOS and an organic modified alcoxysilane were gelled by photopolymerization, and then dried at ambient pressure before sintering at 550°C. The result was a microporous gel with porosity higher than 90%. Chemical, physical, thermal, and mechanical characterizations were carried out on the microporous gel obtained by the nonsupercritical drying procedure. These results demonstrated the physical properties comparable with those of aerogels obtained by supercritical drying can be obtained.