Effect of sol–gel synthesis conditions on the physical properties of silica hydrogels

The order of mixing a silica sol and buffer solution as a neutralizing agent and the concentration of an acid catalyst for silica sol formation are of significant importance for the sol–gel synthesis of silica hydrogels with desired properties for biomedical applications. Alterations in the indicated synthesis conditions led to changes in the density and porosity of hydrogels and as well as their responses to mechanical stress (compression, tension).