Synthetic Methods Silicon-Containing Polymers, Functionalized Polyolefins, and Telechelics

4 SYNTHETIC METHODS SILICON-CONTAINING POLYMERS, FUNCTIONALIZED POLYOLEFINS, AND TELECHELICS 

Polycarbosilanes are an interesting class of polymers from a materials standpoint however, they do not occur naturally. A variety of synthetic methods can be employed to produce such polymers, but this part of the chapter will focus on using ADMET as a viable route to synthesize polycarbosilanes, siloxanes, and other silicon-containing polymers. 

The first type of polycarbosilane synthesized by using ADMET methodology was a poly[carbo(dimethyl)silane].14c Linear poly(carbosilanes) are an important class of silicon-containing polymers due to their thermal, electronic, and optical properties.41 They are also ceramic precursors to silicon carbide after pyrolysis. ADMET opens up a new route to synthesize poly(carbosilanes), one that avoids many of the limitations found in earlier synthetic methods.41 

Organofunctionalized polysiloxanes possess a unique combination of properties, including hydrophobicity, low-temperature flexibility, and thermal stability.41 

TABLE 8.2 Characterization Data for Poly[carbo(dimethyl)silane]s 

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