Synthesis and characterization of a new silicone multiblock polymer

Abstract

The Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) has an active interest in the synthesis of new polysiloxanes as base polymers for cellular silicone materials. These elastomers have properties uniquely suited to very specific engineering requirements. While the polymers which we have prepared via random equilibrium of various cyclic tetrasiloxanes have adequate properties for certain applications, there is evidence to suggest that alternating block polysiloxanes prepared via condensation-polymerization techniques have properties more suited to our end uses as flexible foam materials (cushions). The synthetic sequence developed to prepare these materials involves reactions of functionally terminated (silylamino and silanol) polysiloxane oligomers to produce alternating multiblock (ABAB...) materials of high molecular weight. Dialkylamines are condensation byproducts in this reaction. The analysis and characterization of these multiblock polymers is reported.