Sol-Gel Synthesis and Supercritical Drying

The as-prepared aerogels were characterized by measurement of the bulk density, volume shrinkage, and porosity. Table 4.2 sununarizes those physical properties for MTMS-and MTES-deri ed aerogels. 

These aerogels offer unprecedented hydrophobic as well as mechanical character unlike native silica aerogels. Let us discuss in detail their interactions with water and hydrocarbons, and also the response under mechanical loading. 

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