A novel method for the hydrolysis of ethyl and isopropyl silicates

Abstract

AbstractThe hydrolysis of ethyl and isopropyl silicates without the use of an acid or base catalyst is described. The silicate and an alcohol which is a mutual solvent for water and the silicate are treated with water, preferably under reflux. For ethyl silicate the reaction temperature can be as low as 40°C. A liquid hydrolysate is obtained when the rate of water addition is carefully controlled. This hydrolysate will form a rigid coherent gel capable of binding refractory materials. Liquid hydrolysates prepared in this way have been used to make refractory shapes, also foundry moulds and cores for precision piece moulding work and an ethyl silicate hydrolysate can be used to prepare an anti‐corrosion paint based on zinc. It would be expected that other lower alkyl silicates can be treated similarly to form hydrolysates which give a rigid coherent gel capable of binding refractory materials and which can also be used to prepare anti‐corrosion paints based on zinc.