TREATMENT OF SILICA BASED SOOT OR AN ARTICLE MADE OF SILICA BASED SOOT

摘要

One embodiment of the disclosure relates to a method of cleaning silica-based soot or an article made of silica-based soot, the method comprising the step of treating silica-based soot or the article made of silica-based soot with at least one of the following compounds: (i) a mixture of CO and C12 in a carrier gas such that the total concentration of CO and C12 in the mixture is greater than 10 % (by volume, in carrier gas) and the ratio of CO:C12 is between 0.25 and 5; (ii) CC14 in a carrier gas, such that concentration CC14 is greater than 1 % (by volume, in carrier gas). Preferably, the treatment by CC14 is performed at temperatures between 600 °C, and 850 °C. Preferably, the treatment with the CO and Cl mixture is performed at temperatures between 900 °C and 1200 °C. The carrier gas may be, for example, He, Ar, N2, or the combination thereof.