Computer modeling of amorphous silica structures

An algorithm for large cluster construction for quantum-chemical modeling of amorphous silica structures is suggested. The algorithm is based on the conception that different species of disperse amorphous silica, namely aerosil, silica gel and aerogel are different polymorphic forms; that these polymorphic modifications can be classified by Libau's crystallochemical classification of silicates; that each classification mode is determined by the manufacturing method. The structure models presented are obtained in accordance with the algorithm and are in line with the chemical reactions forming the basis of commercial manufacturing of the products. © 1993 Akadémiai Kiadó.