Polysiloxanes, the scientific name for silicones, possess exceptional properties, and are used in numerous fields ranging from cosmetics to aerospace. They are absolutely everywhere.
However, they have a major flaw, as small, cyclic oligosolixanes—toxic for the environment and identified as an endocrine disruptor—form during their synthesis.
To correct this drawback, a team of scientists led by a CNRS researcher recently developed a new process for synthesizing silicones in a cleaner and more environmentally-friendly manner by preventing the formation of these small cyclic oligosolixanes.
The results are published in Science and could have a considerable impact on the industrial sector.
More information:
Limiao Shi et al, Ring-opening polymerization of cyclic oligosiloxanes without producing cyclic oligomers, Science (2023). DOI: 10.1126/science.adi1342
Citation:
Developing silicones that are friendlier toward health and the environment (2023, September 1)
retrieved 1 September 2023
from https://phys.org/news/2023-09-silicones-friendlier-health-environment.html
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