Abstract: Silica aerogels were prepared by sol-gel technique from industrial silicon derivatives (polyethoxydisiloxanes, E-40), followed by silylation and drying under ambient pressure. The specific surface area, pore size distribution and thermal conductivity of the silica aerogels were investigated and the results showed that the diameter of the silica particles is about 6 nm and the average pore size of the silica aerogels is 14.7 nm. The specific surface area of which is about 1000 m2•g-1 and the thermal conductivity is about 0.014 wm-1•K-1 at room temperature and pressure of 1.01×105 Pa. The Si-CH3 groups were also detected on the internal surface of the silica aerogels, which show hydrophobic. Silica aerogels derived by this technique is low cost and have wide applications.

Key words: Silica aerogel, Sol-gel, Nano-structure, Ambient pressure drying