Method for manufacturing silicate glasses from alkoxides

Abstract

A process is provided for producing carbon-free homogeneous silicate compositions comprising; Combining a hydrolyzable metal alkoxide with a clear solution of a partially hydrolyzed silicon tetraalkoxide so as to form a clear solution of a further hydrolyzable metallosiloxane; Adding an additional quantity of water to said solution in an amount in excess of that required to theoretically hydrolyze residual alkoxy groups of said further hydrolyzable metallosiloxane, thereby forming a substantially hydrolyzed metallosiloxane; Fractionally distilling said substantially hydrolyzed metallosiloxane, i.e. heating under a fractionating column, in the presence of free water for a time sufficient to remove all residual alcohol as distillate and hydrolyze residual alkoxy groups.