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alex caps
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I was trying to make some alcogels and either the solution remained un-changed or it solidified quickly and crumpled. I was not able to make the gel. Any ideas?
Alcogel (wet gel):
At the gel point, the mixture forms a rigid substance called an alcogel. The alcogel can be removed from its original container and can stand on its own. An alcogel consists of two parts, a solid part and a liquid part. The solid part is formed by the three-dimensional network of linked oxide particles. The liquid part (the original solvent of the Sol) fills the free space surrounding the solid part. The liquid and solid parts of an alcogel occupy the same apparent volume.
chem_tr said:More acid is needed for gelation. Don't add it as a drop; add until it 'solidifies'.
chem_tr said:Maybe stirring is bad for these... I don't remember vigorous stirring conditions in this kind of gelation. So this may be the reason of your observed crumbling. Add the concentrated acid dropwise until you see the gelation. This must work.
Alcohols are chemical compounds that contain a hydroxyl group (-OH). Gels are substances that have a jelly-like consistency and can be made from various materials, including polymers and solvents.
Alcohols can be used to make gels, as they can act as solvents and dissolve other substances to create a gel-like consistency. In the case of hand sanitizers, alcohol is the main active ingredient that helps to kill germs and bacteria.
An alcogel is a type of gel that is made from alcohol as the main ingredient. It is commonly used as a hand sanitizer or disinfectant for surfaces.
Alcogels work by killing microorganisms, such as bacteria and viruses, through the denaturing of their proteins. The alcohol in the alcogel disrupts the cell membrane of the microorganism, causing it to die.
Alcogels are most effective against bacteria and some viruses. However, they may not be as effective against certain types of viruses, such as norovirus, that have a protective coating. It is important to use alcogels with at least 60% alcohol content to ensure effectiveness.