Silicone resin, a type of polyorganosiloxane with Si—O bonds as the main chain and high branching degree, occupies an important position in various fields due to its unique chemical structure and excellent properties. Its general formula is RnSiO(4-n)/2 (n=1~3), and synthetic monomers can be divided into monofunctional, difunctional, trifunctional, and tetrafunctional monomers according to their functionality. Conventional preparation mostly uses a combination of multiple monomers such as CH3SiCl3 and C6H5SiCl3.
    Formulation design is the core determinant of silicone resin performance, with key parameters including R/Si ratio, Ph/R ratio, average hydrocarbon substitution degree (DS), and SiOx mass fraction. The R/Si ratio reflects the degree of hydrocarbon substitution, affecting curing speed and flexibility. For example, when R/Si<1, it is a hard and brittle solid suitable for laminated plastics; when R/Si≥2, it becomes silicone oil or silicone rubber. The Ph/R ratio determines the proportion of phenyl groups in hydrocarbons. Proper introduction of phenyl groups can improve thermal stability and compatibility, and the comprehensive performance is optimal when Ph/Me is between 0.5 and 1. In addition, the type of substituent significantly affects product characteristics: methyl groups enhance flexibility and arc resistance, while phenyl groups improve thermal stability and toughness.
    Currently, silicone resin has achieved diversified applications. A variety of domestic products, such as W30 series impregnating varnishes and W33 series resins for laminated plastics, meet industrial needs such as insulation and heat resistance through precise formulation design. At the same time, modified silicone oil products continue to emerge. For instance, IOTA 210 alkyl-modified trisiloxane, with extremely low surface tension and excellent permeability, is widely used in personal care products and pesticides. It can reduce the greasiness of skin care products and improve pesticide utilization rate.
    The formulation optimization of silicone resin is still advancing. Through adjusting monomer composition and controlling polymerization conditions, its performance will be further adapted to high-end application scenarios. In the future, with technological upgrading, the application potential of this type of material in industrial manufacturing, daily chemicals, agriculture and other fields will be more fully released.
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