Process for preparing epoxy-reinforced silica aerogels

A one-pot process for preparing a polymer-reinforced monolithic silica aerogel which comprises:

• providing a one-pot process for preparing a polymer-reinforced monolithic silica aerogel capable of reacting at least one silicon compound selected from the group consisting of an orthosilicate, an alkoxysilane and a combination thereof with effective amounts of multifunctional cross-linking agent and an aminoalkoxy silane in an alcohol solution, wherein the multifunctional cross-linking agent does not react with alcohol but is soluble in alcohol;
• wherein the molar ratio of cross-linking agent to the aminoalkoxy silane is stoichiometric to obtain a silica sol in solution also containing the cross-linking agent;
• subsequently forming a silica gel which contains said cross-linking agent in the solution phase of the gel;
• subjecting said gel to conditions that promote reaction of said cross-linking agent to silica gel;
• and
• drying said polymer reinforced silica gel to obtain the polymer-reinforced monolithic silica aerogel.