Silicones and Other Inorganic Polymers

Condensation polymers are classified as polyesters, polyamides, polyurethanes, and ether polymers, based on the internal functional group being ester (-COO-), amide (-CONH-), urethane (-OCONH-), or ether (-0-). Another group of condensation polymers derived by condensation reactions with formaldehyde is described under formaldehyde resins. Polymers with special properties have been classified into three groups heat-resistant polymers, silicones and other inorganic polymer, and functional polymers. Discussions in all cases are centered on important properties and main applications of polymers. 

A174. F. G. A. Stone and W. A. G. Graham, eds., Inorganic Polymers. Academic Press, New York, 1962. 631 pp. There are sections on P, S, B polymers, silicones, and other organometallic polymers. 

Zeldin, M. Wynne, K. J. Allcock, H. R. Inorganic and Organometallic Polymers. Macromolecules Containing Silicon, Phosphorous, and Other Inorganic Elements. American Chemical Society Washington, DC, 1988 Vol. 360. 

Other inorganic polymers, such as silicones, have excellent optical and mechanical properties for optical membranes. A great number of easily handled commercial silicone prepolymers are available but they have some disadvantages towards other materials. The surface is not easily modifiable to covalently immobilize indicators, they are not suited to combine with the customarily used support structures, owing to hard adhesion, and they are bad solvents for most of the indicators. 

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