Monolithic silica aerogels were prepared via supercritical fluid drying of methanol gels

which were obtained using the sol-gel co-precursor method with methyltrimethoxysilane (MTMS) and tetraethoxysilane (TEOS) as precursors

methanol as solvent

oxalic acid and ammonia as catalysts. The microstructure

specific surface area

pore size distribution

bending and compressibility

and thermal stability of silica aerogels were studied by scanning electron microscopy

nitrogen adsorption/desorption tests

and thermogravimetric analysis. The properties of the silica aerogels

prepared with different mole ratios of MTMS/TEOS

varied obviously. The silica aerogel

prepared with mole ratio of MTMS/TEOS at 8/1

was a flexible material with density of 0.11 g·cm-3

porosity of 94.2%

specific surface area of 693.3 m2·g-1

maximal bending angle of 92°

maximal compression ratio of 41.2% and compression spring-back of 100%.