Foamed polysiloxanes with foam structure

The unique surface characteristics of polysiloxanes mean that they are extensively used as surfactants. Silicone surfactants have been thoroughly studied and described in numerous articles. For an extensive, in-depth discussion of this subject, a recent chapter by Hill,476 and his introductory chapter in the monograph he later edited,477 are excellent references. In the latter monograph, many aspects of silicone surfactants are described in 12 chapters. In the introduction, Hill discusses the chemistry of silicone surfactants, surface activity, aggregation behavior of silicone surfactants in various media, and their key applications in polyurethane foam manufacture, in textile and fiber industry, in personal care, and in paint and coating industries. All this information (with 200 cited references) provides a broad background for the discussion of more specific issues covered in other chapters. Thus, surfactants based on silicone polyether co-polymers are surveyed.478 Novel siloxane surfactant structures,479 surface activity and aggregation phenomena,480 silicone surfactants application in the formation of polyurethane foam,481 foam control and... 

The formation of cellular products also requires surfactants to facilitate the formation of small bubbles necessary for a fine-cell structure. The most effective surfactants are polyoxyalkylene-polysiloxane copolymers. The length and ethylene oxide/PO (EO/PO) ratio of the pendant polyether chains determine the emulsification and stabilizing properties. In view of the complexity of the interaction of surfactant molecules with the growing polymer chains in foam production, it is essential to design optimal surfactants for each application. Flexible polyurethane foams require surfactants that promote improved cell-wall drainage. This allows the cell walls to become more open during the foaming reaction. Also, the shift away from TDI to MDI in molded HR foams adds new demands on foam surfactants (97). 

Pashinin, V. L, Kozlov,V. T., Tarasova, Z. N., Safonova, G. V. Kauch., Rezina (Russian), Correlation of structural characteristics with the properties of irradiated polysiloxane rubber foams, Kauch.Rezina, (10), 18-21(1981)... 

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