Comparison of the hydrophobic stability of silica aerogels with different aging times
Abstract
Silica aerogel offers a wide range of applications due to its excellent properties. This study focuses on the investigation of the influence of aging time on the hydrophobic stability of silica aerogel made from waterglass solution and dried under ambient pressure. Properties of obtained aerogel were characterized using FTIR and Contact Angle Measurement. Results show that aerogels produced are hydrophobic as confirmed by the terminal CH3 bonds from FTIR. Decrease in hydrophobic stability of aerogels aged for a day and for a week as measured from the change in their contact angles over time are 8.97% and 17.93%, respectively. Longer time of aging weakens the delicate structure of silica aerogels, thus decreasing its hydrophobic stability.