Silyl modified polymers

Silyl modified polymers (SMP, also "silane-modified polymers", "modified-silane polymers", "silane terminated polymers", etc.) are polymers (large, chained molecules) terminating with a silane (SiH₄) molecule. SMPs are the main components in solvent-free and isocyanate-free sealant and adhesive products.^[1] Typically the sealant products manufactured with silyl modified polymers have good adhesion on a wide range of substrate materials, and have good temperature and UV resistance.

Curing process

The products cure from a liquid or gel state to a solid. Curing entails crosslinking by the hydrolysis of silyl ethers:

RSi(OCH₃)₂R' + H₂O → [RSi(OCH₃)R']₂O + 2 CH₃OH

This hydrolysis generates siloxane linkages. A catalyst is required for this condensation process.

References