Method for fabricating silica glass

Abstract

A method for fabricating a silica glass is provided. The method includes the steps of adding silica and a dispersant to a premix solution obtained by dissolving an acrylic resin monomer and a cross-linking agent in distilled water, dispersing the mixed solution and adjusting the pH of the mixture, to form a sol. Air bubbles are removed from the sol, and then the resultant sol is aged. A polymerization initiator and a catalyst are added to the aged sol, and the pH of the reaction mixture is adjusted. The reaction mixture is poured into a mold, and then the mixture is gelated, aged, demolded, dried, and then thermally treated to remove organic substances. Hydroxy groups are eliminated and the gel is sintered. A high purity silica glass tube, substantially free of cracking after drying and having a low shrinking ratio can be obtained. Also, a large silica glass tube can be manufactured by this fabrication method.

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