EFFECT OF DRYING CONTROL CHEMICAL ADDITIVES IN SOL-GEL-GLASS MONOLITHPROCESSING

A major problem with monolithic gels is cracking during ageing and dry ing. Several approaches have been suggested to obtain monolithic gels. The objective of this study is to demonstrate the possibility of prod ucing monolithic silica gel using formamide, glycerol and oxalic acid, and to elucidate the effect of these additives on the drying. Accordi ng to the results of this study, formamide is the only drying control chemical additive suitable for use in improving the characteristics of silica gels prepared from tetraethylorthosilicate solution.