Preparation of organosiloxane/silicate hybrid structures — Part I

Hybrid organosiloxane/sodium silicate structures have been prepared by the interaction of a‘QM’ polyorganosiloxane, produced by the trimethylsilylation of‘Suzorite’ (a phlogopite mineral), and a solution of sodium hydroxide in ethanol. These hybrid products lose volatiles on heating and give products which exhibit glass transition points at (∼ 520°C). They show properties intermediate between those of typical organosiloxanes and silicates. They have both hydrophobic and hydrophilic properties as demonstrated by their solubility in water and acetone. This is dependent on the relative proportions of Na, Si(O1/2)4 and (Me)3 SiO1/2 groups present.