Silicone Resins

Ethoxy functional resins cure much more slowly than silanol resins. This is because the alkoxy groups must first hydrolyze before condensation. This step requires an acid or base catalyst and moisture. Ethoxy functional resins do cure if left open to air, but the cured films are much softer than films made from silanol resins. One of the best applications for this type of product is as a concrete water repellent. This is because the moisture and alkalinity present in concrete causes only the portion of product that diffuses below the surface to cure. The ethoxy functional silicone resin offered by Genesee Polymers is listed in the table below:

M and Q refers to two of the four types of siloxane units found in Silicone chemistry. These are shown in the figure below:

M Unit Used as end-blocker in the formation of siloxane chains or to terminate resin growth.
Q Unit Found in silica, glass and glass resins. Will form Silicone gel by condensation of hydroxyl groups under acidic or basic conditions

MQ Resins are formed by condensing these species together in the proper ratio. These resins form hard, flexible coatings upon evaporation of the solvent. This coating is thermoplastic meaning that it softens and flows at elevated temperature. The MQ silicone resin offered by Genesee Polymers is listed in the table below:

Silanol resins are resins coated with Silanol groups (Si-OH). These reactive groups quickly condense together to form a hard coating upon evaporation of the solvent. Genesee Polymers offers two of these resins listed in the table below: