An improved method for preparing monolithic aerogels based on methyltrimethoxysilane at ambient pressure Part II: Microstructure and performance of the aerogels

The microstructures, physical properties and mechanical properties of the methyltrimethoxysilane (MTMS) derived aerogels, prepared at ambient pressure using an improved method reported in Part I, have been comprehensively characterised in this paper, as Part II. The study has revealed sophisticated pore structures and morphologies of the aerogels produced, and demonstrated the relationships between the key processing conditions and microstructures of the resultant aerogels. The results of the study also help to further understand the effect of microstructure changes on the macrostructure, volume shrinkage and performances of the aerogels, and provide a general guide on how to manipulate the processing conditions to produce monolithic MTMS based aerogels with desirable structure and properties by ambient pressure drying. Crown Copyright (C) 2011 Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.