Preparation of polysiloxanes from silicic acid. V. Condensation of silicic acid butyl esters and formation of silica fiber from the ester solutions

The condensation of silicic acid butyl esters was investigated by gel permeation chromatographic (GPC) analysis. The results revealed that the condensation was greatly dependent on a degree of esterification of the esters. The ester with the lowest degree of esterification underwent condensation to form a highly polymerized ester. It was found that fibers could be drawn from the ester solution before gelation.