Characterisation of polymeric reaction in silicic acid solution: intramolecular cyclization

Abstract

Studies on the polymerization of silicic acid in an aqueous system have been made with many techniques. The results show that the polymeric reaction of silicic acid is characterized by intramolecular cyclization. This results in the formation of a colloidal gel. The formation of critical nuclei of silicic acid occurs at the point of phase transition. The polymerization of silicic acid was consistent with an A₄-type crosslinking reaction involving intramolecular cyclization.