Hydrolysis in the Aluminum <i>sec</i> ‐Butoxide—Water—Isopropyl Alcohol System: II, Aging and Microstructure

Abstract

Solutions representing a wide range of compositions in the aluminum sec ‐butoxide‐water‐isopropyl alcohol system were prepared. Solutions were mixed at room temperature, then gelled and evaporated at 80°C. Regions within this system were distinguished where translucent gels formed instead of precipitates or powders. Translucent gels formed in compositions with high water content and high isopropyl alcohol content. The stages of sol‐gel process were investigated by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy in the early stages and in gels before and after solvent evaporation. The microstructure was characterized by nitrogen sorption analysis.