Vitolane® 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
®
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.
By changing the ratio of reactive to
non-reactive R groups in silsesquioxane molecules, they can be tailored
to offer optimal levels of cross-linking.
The cage or ladder structures can
have a reactive R group attached to each silicon atom. If the R group is
polymerisable, very high cross link densities can be achieved,
resulting in substantial or even complete inorganic connectivity. This
combined with high cross linking in the organic system can provide:
- Improved abrasion resistance
- Improved solvent resistance
- Improved barrier properties
- Enhanced stiffness
- Increased heat distortion temperatures
Vitolane®
technology uses atomic silicon (atomic radius 0.118nm), which is
chemically bound into the organic polymer matrix. This is in contrast to
conventional methods of generating these properties through the use of
dispersions of ceramic particles down to 9nm in size in the network.
This conventional approach results in low levels of cross linking, hence
the enhancement of the above properties is restricted.
For further information, please contact us.
