STRUCTURAL MODELS OF DENSE AEROGELS

Gel structure is depicted as a hierarchy at several levels by means of models using the Monte-Carlo technique, on the basis of random close packing (RCP) premises. The pore volume distributions are calculated f rom the largest sphere radius inscribed within the interstices. These distributions are compared to the pore volume distributions of classic models and to pore volume distributions of a series of aerogels measu red by means of the Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) and Hg intrusion meth ods. Data on the pore volumes associated with micro-, meso-, or macrop ores were obtained. (C) 1998 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved .