DEPENDENCE OF THE ELASTIC-MODULI OF POROUS SILICA-GEL PREPARED BY THE SOL-GEL METHOD ON HEAT-TREATMENT

The elastic moduli of silica gel monolith prepared by the sol-gel method from a tetramethoxysilane solution have been measured before and after heat treatment. The elastic moduli showed a drastic change with heat treatment; for example, Young's modulus changed from 0.95 GPa for the gel before heating to 72.5 GPa for the densified product after heating to 1050 ° C. The change in the Young's modulus of the gel with heating temperature is discussed on the basis of changes of porosity and strength of the silica skeleton. © 1990 Chapman and Hall Ltd.