Synthesis of PDMS-SiO2 hybrids using different templates

Xerogels’ formation in the hydrolysis and condensation reaction of tetraethyl orthosilicate (TEOS) was studied by varying pH through adopting three different type basic catalysts (n-octylamine, dodecylamine and tetradecylamine), respectively. The effect of different templates to the formation of xerogels was investigated and characterized by FTIR, N 2 physisorption, TG-DSC and SEM analysis. The results showed that the morphology and textural characteristics of the xerogels prepared in three kinds of organic amine solutions were quite different. The texture of xerogels became more compact after addition of hydroxyl-terminated polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS-OH). Comparing with dodecylamine and tetradecylamine, n-octylamine is more suitable as catalyst to TEOS/PDMS for stone consolidation.