Sol–Gel derived hybrid materials for conservation of fossils

Four silica sols, including three hybrids sols, are synthesized via controlled sol–gel process. Their chemical and physical properties are examined. The as-prepared sols are applied to protect Hami fossils. It is the first systematic research on fossil protection. Hami fossil can be protected by these silica sols nicely and among them, hybrid sol containing epoxy function groups has overall the best performances.