Fractal Geometry of Silica Alcogels from Thermoporometry Experiments

Abstract

Thermoporometry measurements allow an in situ study of pore size distribution of wet porous materials. This technique has been applied to silica alcogels which are expected to exhibit a fractal geometry. It is shown that the pore size distribution may be interpreted on the basis of fractal concept. The observed fractal dimension is within the range 1.7 ÷ 1.85 and the fractal range increases as the silica concentration in the alcogels decreases.