Synthesis Processes and Development of Silicone Rubber

The unique properties of silicone rubber are inseparable from its special synthesis processes. Currently, there are three common synthesis methods. The first one is bulk polymerization. Using siloxane monomers as raw materials, the polymerization reaction is carried out directly under the action of a catalyst. This method has a simple process and can directly obtain high - molecular - weight silicone rubber with high product purity. It is suitable for fields with high - performance requirements, such as high - performance silicone rubber materials used in aerospace. However, this method has strict requirements for reaction conditions, the reaction process is difficult to control, and it has high requirements for equipment and technology. The second one is emulsion polymerization. The siloxane monomers are dispersed in the aqueous phase and polymerized with the help of emulsifiers and initiators. In this method, the heat dissipation of the reaction system is easy, the reaction temperature is easy to control, and the production efficiency is high, which is suitable for large - scale industrial production. The silicone rubber particles synthesized by emulsion polymerization have small particle sizes and uniform distribution, and are often used to prepare products such as coatings and adhesives. However, emulsifiers may remain in the product, affecting the electrical properties and water resistance of silicone rubber. The third one is solution polymerization. The siloxane monomers are dissolved in an organic solvent and a polymerization reaction occurs under the initiation of an initiator. This method can better control the molecular weight and molecular structure of the polymer, and the product has good solubility and processing properties. However, the use of organic solvents has potential safety hazards and high costs. At the same time, solvent recovery and environmental protection issues need to be considered during the production process. With the development of science and technology, the synthesis processes of silicone rubber are constantly being improved and innovated. On the one hand, researchers are committed to developing more efficient and environmentally friendly catalysts to improve reaction efficiency and product quality. On the other hand, by improving the polymerization process, precise control of the microstructure of silicone rubber can be achieved, so as to prepare silicone rubber materials with special properties to meet the emerging new application requirements. In the future, the synthesis processes of silicone rubber are expected to make greater breakthroughs in the direction of green, high - efficiency, and high - performance.

Silicone Rubber Compound-Products