Proven thermal stability of polydimethylsiloxanes (PDMS) has directly led to application of this class of materials to many industrial processes as evidenced by widespread application by engineers, materials scientists and others for diverse applications.  Expansion of fluid utility at high temperatures has prompted us to develop strategies for increased thermal stability and to develop a better understanding of thermal stability through chemical analysis of decomposition products.  To discern structure-property relationships we have completed a rational study related to fluid stability of molecular polymethylsiloxanes.  Transition to cyclic and multi-branched species as well as steric considerations provide the foundation for this study.  Thermal treatment of these materials followed by degradation product analysis provides a basis for rational development and elucidation of high-temperature mechanistic considerations.  A focus remains on chemical modifications of molecular oligomers as well as a discussion of high-temperature chemical reaction mechanisms at play in these fluid systems.  Common material corrosivity of primary and secondary products were also investigated as part of this materials development project.

Development of thermally stable polydimethylsiloxane fluids: Linear, cyclic and highly branched

243rd National Meeting (2012)

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