Chapter 21, Problem 21.8P

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

Use the sol-gel method to show how the hydrolysis of Si(OCH₃)₄ could lead to the formation of a metal-oxide powder and write the balanced equation showing such a transformation.

Concept introduction:

• Ceramics are inorganic, non-metallic, nonmolecular solids, including both crystalline materials such as quartz and amorphous materials such as glass.
• Sintering is a process in which the particles of a powder are welded together without completely melting in the processing of ceramics.
• Sol-gel method is an approach to making powders in which a metal oxide powder is synthesized from a metal alkoxide, a compound derived from a metal and an alcohol.

To classify:The balanced equation for the formation of the silica glass.