Published online by Cambridge University Press: 25 February 2011
High resolution 29Si NMR spectroscopy has been used to study the hydrolysis and condensation reactions of TEOS and related silicon alkoxides under a range of conditions selected to model initial steps in the formation of ceramic precursors. Kinetic results have led to a detailed description of the role of various reaction parameters and to differences in reactivity of various polyethoxysiloxanes. Reactivity studies have provided insight into the processes that form multicomponent alkoxide/oxide materials. Titanium alkoxides in particular can act as catalysts for silanol condensation in addition to forming Si-O-Ti linkages, and the former role may predominate in certain systems.