The preparation and structural characterization of ambient-dried porous methylsilicone matrix doped with SiO2 powder

Porous methylsilicone monoliths doped with SiO2 powder were prepared by dispersion of SiO2 nanoparticles in methylsilicone oligomer solution followed by ammonia-catalyzed gelation and ambient drying. The microstructure of the porous composite monoliths was investigated by FTIR, SEM, and N2 adsorption. The results indicated that SiO2 evenly dispersed in methylsilicone matrix. The thermal stability of SiO2-doped methylsilicone monoliths had been enhanced. The structure stability and hydrophobic property of the composite monoliths were maintained until 400 °C.