The mechanical and thermal properties of aluminum oxide, such as gamma alumina, adapted for use as a catalyst or catalyst carrier are improved through a treatment thereof with a silicon compound containing hydrolyzable radicals, such as methyl orthosilicate, in which the aluminum compound is impregnated with the silicon compound or a solution thereof in a compatible organic solvent whose boiling point is lower than the boiling point of the silicon compound. The impregnated aluminum oxide is slowly brought to the boiling temperature of the silicon compound in an inert atmosphere so as to cause silicon compound to react with the aluminum oxide and to distill off reaction products and excess silicon compound. The hydrolyzable groups bound to the silicon compound on the aluminum oxide are then reacted with water and distilled off.
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