MQ silicone resins synthesized using a two-step sol gel reaction exhibit interfacial properties that are functions of their molecular size. After initial observations of emulsion formation in oil-water mixtures, we studied the behavior of MQ resins at the air-water interface, at the oil-water interface, and on solid surfaces. The behavior at these interfaces depends on the size of the molecule. At the air-water interface, pressure-area isotherms show a transition from compressible to solid-like behavior as molecular size increases. At the oil-water interface, MQ resins behave similar to nanoparticle solutions but show little size dependence. MQ resins on solids surfaces show increases in thickness and contact angle hysteresis as the size increases. These resins primarily contain hydrophobic methyl organic functionality with only traces of residual silanols or ethoxy groups to provide hydrophilicity. Due to their condensed, silica-like structure we propose that MQ resins act as liquid nanoparticles which adsorb at the interface.

MQ silicones at interfaces

251st National Meeting (2016)

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