Structure and self-similarity of silica aerogels

Abstract

Small-angle neutron scattering from silica aerogels reveals that they form mutually self-similar volume fractals for a wide range of densities and preparations. The fractal dimension is D=2.40\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.03. The fractal behavior extends down to near-molecular sizes. Indication for a volume-to-surface fractal crossover is also obtained. These results apply to neutrally prepared or acid-catalyzed materials. Base-catalyzed gels have widely different properties.