The evolution of microstructure in nonhydrolytic alumina xerogels

The effect of drying, aging and thermal treatment of alumina xerogels prepared by the nonhydrolytic route was investigated using SAXS, BET and HR-SEM techniques. The microstructure of the fresh xerogels prepared under different procedures varied drastically, ranging from aerogel-like mass fractals to narrow pore size distribution materials. By variation of the drying conditions the N2-BET surface area was varied from an immeasurable low level up to 600 m2/g. The initial microstructure has a significant influence on the xerogel behaviour during the post-drying heating stage. The ability to produce aerogel-like mass fractal materials from the nonhydrolytic systems is discussed. Finally, a brief theoretical treatment of the drying process of mass fractals is presented as well.