Vitolane^TM technology is a platform for the production of tailored chemicals which offer a range of functionalities.

Silsesquioxanes have a ceramic (silicon-oxygen) backbone with organic groups ('pendants') attached. The molecules are usually described as either cage (Fig.1) or ladder (Fig.2) structures. The pendants (the 'R' groups) are selected from a wide range of organic functional groups, including acrylate, epoxy, vinyl, fluorocarbon etc. type molecules (single functionalised), or two or more different R groups can be combined to create mixed molecule types (multiple functionalised).The R groups may be reactive or non-reactive.

The versatility of the Vitolane^TM process allows oligomers to be readily produced which are compatible with a given class of formulation, for example, an acrylic functionalised molecule may be selected for blending with conventional acrylate oligomers and monomers. Silsesquioxane molecules are readily generated in liquid form and can therefore be introduced early and easily in the formulation process, whether to existing formulations or in the creation of new ones. This formulation approach may be used to create a wide range of adhesives, coatings or bulk materials.