Creating Silicones: Exerting Control at Interfaces

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In spite of their higher cost than organic alternatives, silicone polymers are found in almost every technological area of developed economies because of their unique interfacial behavior. Lacking efficient syntheses, most commercial silicone polymers are ill-defined mixtures with respect to molecular weight, frequency and type of branching, distribution of functional groups and network structures. The hypothesis driving the research program is that silicone polymers of precise structure will improve our ability to reinforce interfaces, leading to higher value materials with enhanced properties. In addition to pure silicones, new polymers with new hydrophilic functionalities will be prepared that can enhance our ability to control heterogeneous interfaces. The outcomes of the proposed research will be new synthetic strategies leading to novel silicone polymers with applications ranging from self-lubricating contact lens surfaces to thermally stable LED domes.