Structure of bioactive mixed polymer/colloid aerogels

The structure of polymer/colloid mixed silica sono-aerogels has been studied by SAXS, N2 adsorption-desorption and Hg porosimetry. The system is described as a composite in which the polymeric phase (sonogel) is the matrix. The structure of this phase prepared with ultrasounds is very fine consisting in aggregates of ∼5 nm radius formed by elementary particles of 1 nm radius. Including Ca(II) into the silica atomic network causes enlarging the average size of the particle more than three times with respect to its size in its pure silica counterpart. The stiffness increases as well by 50%. The size of the particles and pores is also affected by the ultrasound dose applied; the higher for the larger the particles. On the other hand, a low dose produces a rough particle surface.