Abstract: An inorganic material related to imogolite, a rare constituent of soil, which forms gels with under 1% solids concentration, is synthesized by digesting (at pH 3.1 to 5.0) soluble hydroxyaluminium complexes freshly formed at pH 3.2 to 5.5 in aqueous solution with restricted aluminium concentration.

Abstract: An inorganic material akin to imogolite is synthesized. Imogolite is a natural product having tubular structure and occurs in some soils. The synthetic product has tubes of 13-17% greater diameter, and is made thus:Prepare an aqueous hydroxyaluminium silicate solution containing up to 0.5 molar aluminium and of pH 3.1 to 5.0 by acid-hydrolyzing aluminium alkoxides and (introduced not earlier than the alkoxide) tetraalkyl silicate. The atomic proportion of Si: Al is up to 0.6:1.The solution thus prepared is digested, say at 96.degree. C. for a day, until a product is obtained displaying discernible electron diffraction peaks at 1.4 A, 2.1 A and 4.2 A.

Abstract: An inorganic material related to imogolite, a rare constituent of soil, which forms gels with under 1% solids concentration, is synthesized by digesting (at pH 3.1 to 5.0) soluble hydroxyaluminium complexes freshly formed at pH 3.2 to 5.5 in aqueous solution with restricted aluminium concentration.