Preparation and characterization of monolithic methylsilicone xerogels doped with liquid-phase synthesized TiO2

Abstract The xerogels of methylsilicone doped with TiO2 were prepared by incorporation of liquid-phase prepared TiO2 in methylsilicone matrix. The microstructure and properties of the composite xerogels were investigated by Fourier transform infrared spectra (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), N2 sorption, and wide-angle X-ray powder diffraction (XRD). The results indicated that the as-prepared TiO2 particles could be well dispersed in methylsilicone matrix. The different amounts of TiO2 doped in methylsilicone oligomer solution resulted in different reaction process and microstructure. The thermal stability of the composite monolith was enhanced after doping TiO2 particles.