One-pot synthesis of multifunctional silicone elastomer: Ring-opening copolymerization of D4 and Dual-D4Vi

Abstract

Herein, a Dual-D4Vi monomer is designed for one-pot synthesis of multifunctional silicone elastomer. Dual-D4Vi plays dual roles in silicone elastomer. It functions both as monomer and as cross-linker, and thus can copolymerize with octamethyl cyclotetrasiloxane (D4) for one-pot synthesis of multifunctional silicone elastomer. This is different from the conventional multi-step preparation process which needs polymerization and vulcanization. Dual-D4Vi is synthesized by a simple hydrosilylation reaction with high yield and characterized by FTIR, NMR and LC/MS spectrometry. And this method can be used for both laboratory research and large-scale preparation. Notably, the mixture of the prepolymer before heat-curing was water-like with the viscosity as low as 10 mPa·s, endowing this type of material system with wide applicability in gap filling, 3D printing, optoelectronic device packaging and roll-to-plate hot embossing. Moreover, the very low initial viscosity and good flow behavior also allows substantially adjustable filler type and content. Additionally, the polymerization rate is fast. The viscosity can reach 100 Pa·s within 20 s. And the polymerization is controllable by adjusting the reaction temperature and catalyst dosage.