Hydroxyl (OH)-free clear silica glass bodies (plates, discs, rods and
small tubes) were prepared by the sol-gel process. The method involved
preparation of silica gel shapes via a mixed sol obtained from tetrae
thyl orthosilicate, fumed silica and acidulated water. The gels were t
hen heat treated in different atmospheres (oxygen, vacuum, carbon tetr
achloride and helium) up to 1500-degrees-C for obtaining fully dense c
lear silica glass bodies. Infrared spectra of the glasses prepared at
1500-degrees-C showed complete absence of hydroxyl groups. The average
surface hydroxyl coverage of the gels and the residual hydroxyl conte
nt of the glass bodies were determined.