Abstract
Phase separation during directional freezing of liquid systems leads to a variety of microstructures of the components due to the interplay of heat transfer, diffusion kinetics, and interfacial surface energy1–6. One of the more dramatic effects is the in situ formation of parallel fibres in directionally solidified eutectic superalloy. We report here similar morphological consequences of freezing aqueous polysilicic acid. This system is unique not only because it has an amorphous component, polysilicic acid, but this substance undergoes accelerated, concentration-dependent polymerization immediately after phase separation. As a result, it becomes insoluble, and after thawing, preserves the structure that had been conferred on it by the surrounding ice. We have explored the relationships of polymerization, composition, and freezing conditions with the morphology of the products, in particular with regard to fibre formation.
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Mahler, W., Bechtold, M. Freeze-formed silica fibres. Nature 285, 27–28 (1980). https://doi.org/10.1038/285027a0
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/285027a0
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