Silicone Polyethers
Silicone Polyols are useful as surfactants, wetting agents and pigment dispersants for paints, leveling agents for coatings and thread lubricants in the textile industry. Genesee Polymer's polyols have two basic building blocks, Ethylene Oxide units (EO) and Propylene Oxide units (PO) shown below:
|
Ethylene Oxide (EO):
|
 |
|
Propylene Oxide (PO):
|
 |
These units extend off the silicone chain as the following diagram shows:
This chain can be either polyoxyethylene (n=0), polyoxypropylene (m=0) or a random mixture of polyoxypropylene and polyoxyethylene (m>1, n>1). The R group represents the type of cap on the polyether chain. R can be either a methyl or butyl group for example or if the polyether is uncapped, R is simply a hydrogen atom.
Alpha Omega Block
Alpha omega silicone polyethers are applicable where a large molecular mobility is required. This includes additives for leveling and flow control of high speed printing inks. The selection charts below list all of the ABA Block Structure polyols that Genesee Polymers offers. These are organized by polyol type.
Polyoxyethylene/Polyoxypropylene (EO/PO) ABA Block Structure Polyols (m,n>1)
| Product | Molecular Weight (Calculated) | Wt. % Silicone | Viscosity (cPs) @ 25°C | End-Cap |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GP-675 |
8000 amu
|
63%
|
1000 cP
|
None
|
Polyoxypropylene (PO) ABA Structure Polyols (m=0)
| Product | Molecular Weight (Calculated) | Wt. % Silicone | End-Cap |
|---|---|---|---|
| GP-905 |
5200 amu
|
35%
|
Butoxy
|
Rake (Pendant)
One of the most common types of silicone polyols is the pendant or rake structure polyol. These are a randomly distributed dimethyl/silicone polyol copolymer with this general structure where R is the capping group. The selection charts below list all of the pendant (rake) structure polyols that Genesee Polymers offers. These are organized by polyol type and listed from lowest to highest molecular weights.
Polyoxyethylene/Polyoxypropylene (EO/PO) Rake Structure Polyols (m,n>1)
| Product | Molecular Weight (Calculated) | Wt. % Silicone | Viscosity (cPs) @ 25°C | End-Cap |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GP-214 |
11500 amu
|
31%
|
6000 cP
|
Butoxy
|
Polyoxypropylene (PO) Rake Structure Polyols (m=0)
| Product | Molecular Weight (Calculated) | Wt. % Silicone | Viscosity (cPs) @ 25°C | End-Cap |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GP-218 |
11000 amu
|
32%
|
1500 cP
|
Butoxy
|