Determining Thermal Coefficient of Binary Solvent Mixture

3 replies · 3K views · last reply
OptiPessimist
Messages
3
Reaction score
0
Hello,

Currently, I am working on a science project involving the creation of silica aerogels through the process of freeze-drying. As a result, i need to experiment with mixtures of solvents with low thermal expansion coefficients (so the crystallization of the solvents will not damage the aerogel matrix) However, i have hit a huge impediment.

While it is relatively simple to look up the thermal expansion coefficients for a given solvent,

how would one determine the thermal expansion coefficient for a mixture of solvents? (For example, the thermal expansion coef of a mixture of Tert Butanol and Propanol?)

Would the coefficient be nearly the same if the solvents were in solid state? (For they will be frozen, then sublimated)
 
i would suggest finding dV/dT using thermodynamic relations. might get a bit hairy
 
Can you explain this method a bit more in depth?

Thanks