| Abstract: | The chemistry of the processes involved when an alkyl silicate such as ethyl silicate acts as a binder in refractory technology is described. The gel forming process involving catalysed hydrolysis and condensation of ethyl silicate and tetra-alkyl silicates has been studied using amine catalysts. Thermal studies of gels obtained from technical ethyl silicate and of gels obtained from technical ethyl silicate incorporated in refractory materials, together with infrared spectroscopy studies of gels obtained from technical ethyl silicate, suggest the nature of the degradation products, and the weight-loss patterns observed support the proposed mechanisms. |
