Siloxane structures, important characteristics

We have been interested for some time in the chemistry and structure of polysiloxane containing systems. We suggest that some of the important characteristics of siloxane structures, such as their thermal and oxidative stability, low glass transition temperature, hydrophobic character and low surface energies could perhaps render them useful as epoxy modifiers, order to do so, however, one would have to consider the questions of functionality, both with respect to type and concentration and also the miscibility or solubility of such hydrophobic nonpolar materials in the typically aromatic based epoxy precursors. 

Hybrid versions of silicone-thermoplastic semi-IPNs have been developed (19). A hybrid interpenetrating network is one in which the cross-linked network is formed by the reaction of two polymers with structurally distinct backbones. Hydride-functionalized siloxanes can be reacted with organic polymers with pendant unsaturated groups such as polybutadienes (5) in the presence of platinum catalysts. Compared with the polysiloxane semi-IPNs discussed earlier, the hydride IPNs tend to maintain mechanical and morphologically derived properties, whereas properties associated with siloxanes are diminished. The probable importance of this technology is in cost-effective ways to induce thermoset characteristics in thermoplastic elastomers. 

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