Polysiloxane foam composition and related methods

Abstract

A curable organopolysiloxane foam-forming composition that can be used to produce an organopolysiloxane foam is described. The curable organopolysiloxane foam-forming composition contains a platinum group catalyst and particles containing a thermoplastic polymer. The thermoplastic polymer shields other components in the curable organopolysiloxane foam-forming composition from the platinum group catalyst. Thus, when sufficient heat is applied, the thermoplastic polymer softens and / or melts, thereby exposing the platinum group catalyst to the other components and initiating the foam production process.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Cross - reference to Related Applications This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 393,081, filed on July 28, 2022, the content of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0002] The present disclosure relates to foam - forming polysiloxane compositions and the resulting polysiloxane foam compositions. The present disclosure also relates to methods of making and using such foam - forming polysiloxane compositions and the resulting polysiloxane foam compositions.

Background Art

[0003] To produce certain types of compositions of foams, contact between a curable component and a catalyst contained in the composition may be required. For example, in the case of a hydrosilylation - reaction - curable organopolysiloxane composition, the curable component in the composition is cross - linked by a hydrosilylation - reaction catalyst such as a platinum - group catalyst. However, curing starts when the catalyst and the curable component come into contact, and thus, it is necessary to prevent the catalyst and the curable component from contacting each other during storage, for example, until curing is required. Such compositions can produce foams when used in combination with a blowing agent. Conventional silicone foam compositions involve the in - situ formation of hydrogen gas (H2) as a reaction between a Pt - catalyzed silicone hydride and a blowing agent. This reaction starts as soon as all the components of the composition (typically in multiple parts such as part A and part B) are mixed together. The hydrogen gas may escape before the curing step of the part or device being manufactured. The lack of control during the process for H2 generation typically causes problems such as a decrease in device consistency, batch - to - batch variation, and inhomogeneity during scale - up.

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] Accordingly, there is a need in the art for improved compositions, such as one-component compositions, for generating foams. Such compositions, foams, and related methods are disclosed herein.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] Disclosed herein is a curable organopolysiloxane foam-forming composition. The curable organopolysiloxane foam-forming composition comprises (A) 100 parts by weight of an organopolysiloxane represented by the following average unit formula, R a SiO (4-a) / 2 wherein R is a substituted or unsubstituted monovalent hydrocarbon group, and "a" is a number from 1.0 to 2.4, and the organopolysiloxane having at least an average of 1.5 alkenyl groups in the molecule. The curable organopolysiloxane foam-forming composition also comprises (B) 3 to 70 parts by weight of an organopolysiloxane having at least an average of 1.5 silicon-bonded hydrogen atoms in the molecule. The curable organopolysiloxane foam-forming composition also comprises (C) 0.1 to 50 parts of a blowing agent. The curable organopolysiloxane foam-forming composition also comprises (D) 0.00001 to 20 parts of particles, and the particles are i. a platinum group catalyst and ii. a molecular weight-controlled thermoplastic polymer having a T g or softening temperature of at least 20°C, which is 1. polystyrene or its copolymer having an M w of about 500 g / mol to about 30,000 g / mol and a polydispersity index (PDI) of less than 2, 2. polymethyl methacrylate or its copolymer having an M w of about 500 g / mol to about 30,000 g / mol and a PDI of less than 2, and 3. an M wand a molecular weight-controlled thermoplastic polymer selected from the group consisting of polyacrylonitrile or a copolymer thereof having a PDI of less than 2, wherein the platinum group catalyst is completely encapsulated within the thermoplastic polymer. The curable organopolysiloxane foam-forming composition enables the production of an organopolysiloxane foam in a controlled manner.

[0006] Also disclosed herein is an organopolysiloxane foam. The organopolysiloxane foam can be produced from the curable organopolysiloxane foam-forming composition disclosed herein. The organopolysiloxane foam has a T g or softening temperature of at least 20 °C and contains a molecular weight-controlled thermoplastic polymer, wherein the molecular weight-controlled thermoplastic polymer is a) a polystyrene or a copolymer thereof having an M w of about 500 g / mol to about 30,000 g / mol and a polydispersity index (PDI) of less than 2, b) a polymethyl methacrylate or a copolymer thereof having an M w of about 500 g / mol to about 30,000 g / mol and a PDI of less than 2, and c) a polyacrylonitrile or a copolymer thereof having an M w of about 500 g / mol to about 30,000 g / mol and a PDI of less than 2, and is selected from the group consisting thereof.

[0007] Also disclosed herein is a method for producing an organopolysiloxane foam, comprising a) providing a curable organopolysiloxane foam-forming composition disclosed herein; and b) heating the curable organopolysiloxane foam-forming composition to a temperature effective to soften or melt the thermoplastic polymer and release the platinum group catalyst, thereby promoting the reaction to produce the organopolysiloxane foam.

[0008] Further advantages will be described in part in the following description, and in part will be apparent from the description or can be learned by practice of the aspects described below. The advantages described below will be realized and achieved by the elements and combinations particularly pointed out in the appended claims. It will be understood that both the following general description and the following detailed description of the invention are exemplary and explanatory only and are not restrictive.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] The present invention can be more easily understood by referring to the following detailed description of the invention and the examples included herein.

[0010] Before disclosing and describing the particles, compositions, substances, systems, devices, and / or methods of the present invention, it is understood that, unless otherwise specified, they are not limited to a particular method or, unless otherwise specified, to particular reagents and can of course vary. It should also be understood that the terms used herein are for the purpose of describing only particular aspects and are not intended to be limiting. Although any methods and materials similar or equivalent to those described herein can be used in the practice or testing of the present invention, examples of methods and materials will now be described.

[0011] All publications mentioned herein are incorporated herein by reference for the purpose of disclosing and describing the methods and / or materials relevant to the citation of that publication. The publications described herein are provided only for their disclosure prior to the filing date of the present application. Nothing in this specification should be construed as an admission that the present invention has no right to antedate such publications by virtue of prior invention. Further, the publication dates provided herein may be different from the actual publication dates, which may require independent verification.

[0012] A. Definitions As used herein, the naming of a compound may be given using common names, as well as names assigned by the recommendations of the International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry (IUPAC) and the Chemical Abstracts Service (CAS), which are incorporated herein by reference. One of ordinary skill in the art can readily confirm the structure of a compound and, when the name is given by a shortened form of the compound structure system using the nomenclature, can readily confirm it.

[0013] As used in this specification and the appended claims, the singular forms "a", "an", and "the" include plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

[0014] In this specification, ranges may be expressed from one particular value with "about" and / or to another particular value with "about". When such ranges are expressed, further aspects include from a particular value and / or to the other particular value. Similarly, when a value is expressed as an approximation, it will be understood that the use of the preceding "about" causes the particular value to form further aspects. It will be further understood that each limit value of a range is significant both in relation to and independent of the other limit value. Also, several values are disclosed herein, and it is understood that each value, in addition to the value itself, is also disclosed herein as that particular value with "about". For example, if the value "10" is disclosed, "about 10" is also disclosed. It is also understood that each constituent unit between two particular constituent units is disclosed. For example, if 10 and 15 are disclosed, 11, 12, 13, and 14 are also disclosed.

[0015] References in this specification and the appended claims to parts by weight of a particular element or component refer to the weight relationship between that element or component and other elements or components or substances for which the parts by weight are expressed. Thus, in a composition containing 100 parts by weight of component X and 9 to 40 parts by weight of component Y, X and Y are present in a weight ratio of 100:9 to 40 or 0.09 to 0.4 and are present in such ratio regardless of whether additional components are included in the composition.

[0016] Furthermore, references in this specification and the appended claims to the molar ratio of a particular element or component refer to the molar relationship between that element or component and other elements or components in a composition or substance for which the molar ratio is expressed. Thus, in a composition containing 5 moles of component X and 2 moles of component Y, X and Y are present in a molar ratio of 5:2 or 5 / 2 or 2.5 and are present in such ratio regardless of whether additional components are included in the composition. The weight percentage (wt%) of a component is based on the total weight of the formulation or composition in which the component is included, unless the contrary is specifically stated.

[0017] As used herein, the term "optional" or "optionally" means that the event or circumstance described later may or may not occur and that the description includes instances where the event or circumstance occurs and instances where it does not occur.

[0018] The polydispersity index (PDI) referred to in this specification, as in conventional polymer chemistry, is the weight-average molecular weight (M w ) divided by the number-average molecular weight (M n ), and is usually expressed as PDI = M w / M n .

[0019] Unless otherwise expressly stated, it is never intended that any method described in this specification be construed as requiring that its steps be performed in a particular order. Thus, if a method claim does not actually recite the order that its steps should follow, or the steps are not otherwise specifically recited in the claims or the specification as being limited to a particular order, then in no way is it ever intended that an order be inferred, whether from logical matters regarding the arrangement or flow of steps, plain meaning derived from grammatical construction or punctuation, or any potential unstated basis for interpretation, including the number or type of embodiments described in the specification.

[0020] Disclosed are the components used to make the particles and compositions disclosed herein, as well as those used within the methods disclosed herein. While these compounds and other compounds are disclosed herein, and combinations, subsets, interactions, groups, etc. of these materials are disclosed, specific mention of each and every individual and collective combination and permutation of these components may not be explicitly disclosed, but each is understood to be specifically contemplated and described herein. For example, if a particular silicone composition is disclosed and considered, and several variations that can be made into several compounds containing the silicone composition are considered, all possible combinations and permutations of the possible compositions and variations are specifically contemplated, unless the contrary is specifically indicated. Thus, classes of compounds A, B, and C, and classes of silicone compositions D, E, and F, and examples of particles or compositions are disclosed, and if A-D is disclosed, each is individually and collectively contemplated, even if not individually described, meaning that combinations of A-E, A-F, B-D, B-E, B-F, C-D, C-E, and C-F are considered disclosed. Similarly, any subset or combination of these is also disclosed. Thus, for example, subgroups of A-E, B-F, and C-E are considered disclosed. This concept applies to all aspects of the present application, including but not limited to steps in methods of making and using silicone compositions. Thus, if there are various additional steps that can be performed, it is understood that each of these additional steps can be performed using any particular embodiment or combination of embodiments of the method of the present invention.

[0021] B. Curable organopolysiloxane foam-forming composition Organopolysiloxane foams can be useful for many applications, including but not limited to gasket materials, medical device materials, repair materials, shock-absorbing materials, and thermal or highly thermal insulating materials, mainly due to their formation structure and low density.

[0022] The organopolysiloxane foam can be formed from the curable organopolysiloxane foam-forming composition disclosed herein. The components in the curable organopolysiloxane foam-forming composition are mixed, and the foam-forming process occurs by exposing the platinum group catalyst to the remaining components in the curable organopolysiloxane foam-forming composition, which triggers the reaction to form the organopolysiloxane foam over a certain period. The organopolysiloxane foam is formed when hydrogen gas (H2) is generated in situ during the foam-forming process of this reaction. Such reaction and foaming processes start immediately when the components are exposed to the platinum group catalyst.

[0023] The curable organopolysiloxane foam-forming composition disclosed herein contains particles, and the particles are i. a platinum group catalyst and ii. a molecular weight-controlled thermoplastic polymer having a T g or softening temperature, which is 1. polystyrene or its copolymer having an M of about 500 g / mol to about 30,000 g / mol w and a polydispersity index (PDI) of less than 2, 2. polymethyl methacrylate or its copolymer having an M of about 500 g / mol to about 30,000 g / mol w and a PDI of less than 2, and 3. an M of about 500 g / mol to about 30,000 g / mol w, and a molecular weight-controlled thermoplastic polymer selected from the group consisting of polyacrylonitrile or a copolymer thereof having a PDI of less than 2, wherein the platinum group catalyst is completely encapsulated within the thermoplastic polymer. Thus, the platinum group catalyst is shielded from the other components in the curable organopolysiloxane foam-forming composition until the molecular weight-controlled thermoplastic polymer softens or melts away from around the platinum group catalyst due to a temperature increase. The particles disclosed herein add control in the H2 generation process, which overcomes the process barriers in conventional organopolysiloxane foam compositions. Accordingly, the curable organopolysiloxane foam-forming compositions disclosed herein can be stored for long periods without reacting inadvertently. That is, during storage, the curable organopolysiloxane foam-forming compositions disclosed herein are kept at a temperature low enough to prevent softening or melting of the thermoplastic polymer such that the platinum group catalyst would be exposed to the other components of the curable organopolysiloxane foam-forming composition.

[0024] In one aspect, the curable organopolysiloxane foam-forming compositions disclosed herein can be one-component curable organopolysiloxane foam-forming compositions. In another aspect, the curable organopolysiloxane foam-forming compositions disclosed herein can be two-component or multi-component curable organopolysiloxane foam-forming compositions.

[0025] As used herein, a curable organopolysiloxane foam-forming composition, (A) the following average unit formula, R a SiO (4ーa) / 2 100 parts by weight of an organopolysiloxane represented by, wherein R is a substituted or unsubstituted monovalent hydrocarbon group, and "a" is a number from 1.0 to 2.4, and having at least an average of 1.5 alkenyl groups in the molecule, 100 parts by weight of an organopolysiloxane, (B) 1 to 70 parts by weight of an organopolysiloxane having at least an average of 1.5 silicon-bonded hydrogen atoms in the molecule, (C) 0.1 to 50 parts by weight of a blowing agent, and (D) 0.00001 to 20 parts by weight of particles, wherein i. a platinum group catalyst, and ii. a molecular weight-controlled thermoplastic polymer having a T g or softening temperature of at least 20 °C, 1. having an M of about 500 g / mol to about 30,000 g / mol w and a polystyrene or its copolymer having a polydispersity index (PDI) of less than 2, 2. having an M of about 500 g / mol to about 30,000 g / mol w and a polymethyl methacrylate or its copolymer having a PDI of less than 2, and 3. having an M of about 500 g / mol to about 30,000 g / mol w and a polyacrylonitrile or its copolymer having a PDI of less than 2, selected from the group consisting of molecular weight-controlled thermoplastic polymers, including 0.00001 to 20 parts by weight of particles, The platinum group catalyst is completely encapsulated within the thermoplastic polymer, and a curable organopolysiloxane foam-forming composition is disclosed.

[0026] In one aspect, the curable organopolysiloxane foam-forming composition may further include (E) more than 0 parts by weight to 100 parts by weight of a silicone resin, which is different from component (A).

[0027] In one aspect, the curable organopolysiloxane foam-forming composition is a silicone base material of more than 0 parts by weight to 150 parts by weight, which contains a silicone polymer containing at least one alkenyl group, and which is different from component (A), and may further contain a silicone base material of more than 0 parts by weight to 150 parts by weight. For example, the curable organopolysiloxane foam-forming composition may further contain a silicone resin of more than 0 parts by weight to 100 parts by weight, which is different from component (A), and a silicone base material of more than 0 parts by weight to 150 parts by weight, which contains a silicone polymer containing at least one alkenyl group and is different from component (A). It should be noted that components (E) and / or (F) may fall within the scope of component (A), but are still regarded as independent components. Therefore, for example, a curable organopolysiloxane foam-forming composition containing component (E) has two distinguishable components (A) and (E), even when component (E) theoretically falls within the scope of component (A).

[0028] In one aspect, the curable organopolysiloxane foam-forming composition may further contain (G) a non-functional fluid of more than 0 parts by weight to 100 parts by weight.

[0029] In one aspect, the curable organopolysiloxane foam-forming composition may further contain an anti-reaction agent of more than 0 parts by weight to 10 parts by weight.

[0030] In one aspect, the curable organopolysiloxane foam-forming composition may further contain a filler of more than 0 parts by weight to 150 parts by weight.

[0031] In one aspect, the curable organopolysiloxane foam-forming composition is (A) The following average unit formula, R a SiO (4ーa) / 2 100 parts by weight of an organopolysiloxane represented by, In the formula, R is a substituted or unsubstituted monovalent hydrocarbon group, and "a" is a number from 1.0 to 2.4, and 100 parts by weight of an organopolysiloxane having at least an average of 1.5 alkenyl groups in the molecule, (B) 10 to 30 parts by weight of an organopolysiloxane having at least an average of 1.5 silicon-bonded hydrogen atoms in the molecule, (C) 5 to 20 parts by weight of a blowing agent, (D) 0.05 to 8 parts by weight of particles, i. a platinum group catalyst, and ii. a molecular weight-controlled thermoplastic polymer having a T g or softening temperature of at least 20 °C, 1. polystyrene or its copolymer having an M w of about 500 g / mol to about 30,000 g / mol and a polydispersity index (PDI) of less than 2, 2. polymethyl methacrylate or its copolymer having an M w of about 500 g / mol to about 30,000 g / mol and a PDI of less than 2, and 3. polyacrylonitrile or its copolymer having an M w of about 500 g / mol to about 30,000 g / mol and a PDI of less than 2, selected from the group consisting of molecular weight-controlled thermoplastic polymers, including 0.05 to 8 parts by weight of particles, The platinum group catalyst is completely encapsulated within the thermoplastic polymer, and (E) more than 0 parts by weight to 60 parts by weight of a silicone resin different from component (A), more than 0 parts by weight to 60 parts by weight of a silicone resin, and (G) more than 0 parts by weight to 100 parts by weight of a non-functional fluid, are included.

[0032] In another aspect, the curable organopolysiloxane foam-forming composition is (A) The following average unit formula, R a SiO (4ーa) / 2 represented by 100 parts by weight of an organopolysiloxane, In the formula, R is a substituted or unsubstituted monovalent hydrocarbon group, "a" is a number from 1.0 to 2.4, and 100 parts by weight of an organopolysiloxane having at least an average of 1.5 alkenyl groups in the molecule, (B) 5 to 30 parts by weight of an organopolysiloxane having at least an average of 1.5 silicon-bonded hydrogen atoms in the molecule, (C) 0.1 to 50 parts by weight of a blowing agent, and (D) 0.05 to 8 parts by weight of particles, i. a platinum group catalyst, and ii. a molecular weight-controlled thermoplastic polymer having a T g or softening temperature of at least 20 °C, 1. a polystyrene or its copolymer having an M of about 500 g / mol to about 30,000 g / mol w and a polydispersity index (PDI) of less than 2, 2. a polymethyl methacrylate or its copolymer having an M of about 500 g / mol to about 30,000 g / mol w and a PDI of less than 2, and 3. a polyacrylonitrile or its copolymer having an M of about 500 g / mol to about 30,000 g / mol w and a PDI of less than 2, selected from the group consisting of molecular weight-controlled thermoplastic polymers, and 0.05 to 8 parts by weight of particles containing The platinum group catalyst is completely encapsulated within the thermoplastic polymer, and (F) 10 to 40 parts by weight of a silicone base material containing a silicone polymer containing at least one alkenyl group, different from component (A), 10 to 40 parts by weight of a silicone base material, and (G) more than 0 parts by weight to 100 parts by weight of a non-functional fluid, are included.

[0033] i. Component (A) The curable organopolysiloxane foam-forming composition is (A) the following average unit formula, R a SiO (4ーa) / 2 100 parts by weight of an organopolysiloxane represented by In the formula, R is a substituted or unsubstituted monovalent hydrocarbon group, and "a" is a number between 1.0 and 2.4, and the composition comprises 100 parts by weight of an organopolysiloxane having an average of at least 1.5 alkenyl groups per molecule.

[0034] R a SiO (4ーa) / 2 In the formula, R is a substituted or unsubstituted monovalent hydrocarbon group, and examples of such monovalent hydrocarbon groups include alkyl groups such as methyl, ethyl, propyl, butyl, pentyl, and hexyl; alkenyl groups such as vinyl, allyl, butenyl, pentenyl, hexenyl, and heptenyl; aryl groups such as phenyl, tolyl, and xylyl; aralkyl groups such as benzyl and phenethyl; and halogenated alkyl groups such as 3-chloropropyl and 3,3,3-trifluoropropyl. For example, an average of at least 1.5 R groups in the molecule are alkenyl groups, such as those described above. Vinyl and hexenyl groups can be alkenyl groups. Methyl and phenyl groups can be silicon-bonded groups other than alkenyl groups.

[0035] The above R a SiO (4ーa) / 2 In this formula, "a" is a number between 1.0 and 2.4. Examples of the molecular structure of component (A) include a linear structure, a partially branched linear structure, a branched structure, a network structure, and a dendritic structure. Component (A) may also be a mixture of two or more types of organopolysiloxanes having these molecular structures. That is, a may be either 1≦a<2 or 2≦a<2.4. The viscosity of the organopolysiloxane at 25°C may be within the range of 50 to 1,000,000 mPa·s, for example, but is not limited to, the range of 100 to 500,000 mPa·s.

[0036] formula R a SiO (4ーa) / 2Examples of organopolysiloxanes include, but are not limited to, dimethylsiloxane-methylvinylsiloxane copolymers capped at both molecular ends with trimethylsiloxy groups, methylvinylpolysiloxanes capped at both molecular ends with trimethylsiloxy groups, methylvinylsiloxane-methylphenylsiloxane copolymers capped at both molecular ends with trimethylsiloxy groups, dimethylsiloxane-methylvinylsiloxane-methylphenylsiloxane copolymers capped at both molecular ends with trimethylsiloxy groups, dimethylpolysiloxanes capped at both molecular ends with dimethylvinylsiloxy groups, methylvinylpolysiloxanes capped at both molecular ends with dimethylvinylsiloxy groups, methylphenylpolysiloxanes capped at both molecular ends with dimethylvinylsiloxy groups, dimethylvinyl ... dimethylsiloxane-methylvinylsiloxane copolymers end-capped with siloxy groups, methylvinylsiloxane-methylphenylsiloxane copolymers end-capped with dimethylvinylsiloxy groups, methylvinylsiloxane-diphenylsiloxane copolymers end-capped with dimethylvinylsiloxy groups, dimethylvinylsiloxane-diphenylsiloxane copolymers end-capped with dimethylvinylsiloxy groups, methylvinylpolysiloxanes end-capped with trimethylsiloxy groups and the other end-capped with dimethylvinylsiloxy groups, dimethylsiloxane-methylvinylsiloxane copolymers end-capped with trimethylsiloxy groups and the other end-capped with dimethylvinylsiloxy groups, and copolymers of the formula RSiO 1 / 2 and the units represented by the following formula, SiO 4 / 2 and organopolysiloxanes containing units represented by the following formula: RSiO 3 / 2 and organopolysiloxanes containing units represented by the following formula: RSiO 2 / 2 and the following formula, RSiO3 / 2 and organopolysiloxanes containing units represented by the following formula: RSiO 2 / 2 and the following formula, RSiO 3 / 2 and the units represented by the following formula, SiO 4 / 2 and mixtures of two or more types of these organopolysiloxanes, where R is a substituted or unsubstituted monovalent hydrocarbon group as described above.

[0037] formula R a SiO (4ーa) / 2 It is also contemplated to use a mixture of organopolysiloxanes having an average of 1.5 alkenyl groups per molecule by mixing an organopolysiloxane listed above having at least two alkenyl groups per molecule with an organopolysiloxane listed below having no or fewer than two alkenyl groups per molecule as the organopolysiloxane of formula (I). Examples of such organopolysiloxanes having no or less than two alkenyl groups in the molecule include dimethylpolysiloxanes end-capped with a dimethylvinylsiloxy group and the other end-capped with a trimethylsiloxy group, methylphenylpolysiloxanes end-capped with a dimethylvinylsiloxy group and the other end-capped with a trimethylsiloxy group, dimethylsiloxane-methylvinylsiloxane copolymers end-capped with trimethylsiloxy groups and having one vinyl group on a side chain, dimethylpolysiloxanes end-capped with trimethylsiloxy groups, and methylphenylpolysiloxanes end-capped with trimethylsiloxy groups.

[0038] In one aspect, the organopolysiloxane in component (A) is an alkenyl-terminated organopolysiloxane, an alkenyl-pendant organopolysiloxane, or an alkenyl-terminated and alkenyl-pendant organopolysiloxane. For example, the organopolysiloxane in component (A) can be an alkenyl-terminated organopolysiloxane. In another aspect, the organopolysiloxane in component (A) can be an alkenyl-pendant organopolysiloxane. In yet another aspect, the organopolysiloxane in component (A) can be an alkenyl-terminated and alkenyl-pendant organopolysiloxane.

[0039] In one aspect, the organopolysiloxane in component (A) can contain at least two organopolysiloxanes having different molecular weights. For example, the organopolysiloxane in component (A) can contain at least three organopolysiloxanes having different molecular weights. In another example, the organopolysiloxane in component (A) can contain at least four organopolysiloxanes having different molecular weights. When component (E) and / or (F) is present, at least two, three, or four organopolysiloxanes do not include component (E) and / or (F). For example, when a curable organopolysiloxane foam-forming composition has an organopolysiloxane in component (A) that contains at least two organopolysiloxanes having different molecular weights and component (E), in this regard, the curable organopolysiloxane foam-forming composition has three components: 1. an organopolysiloxane component (A) having one molecular weight (M w ), 2. an organopolysiloxane component (A) having an M w different from (1.), and 3. component (E).

[0040] In one aspect, each of the organopolysiloxanes in component (A), or the organopolysiloxanes in component (A), has an M w of about 500 g / mol to about 300,000 g / mol, and an M w of about 500 g / mol to about 250,000 g / mol, M of about 500 g / mol to about 300,000 g / mol w , M of about 500 g / mol to about 200,000 g / mol w , M of about 500 g / mol to about 150,000 g / mol w , M of about 500 g / mol to about 100,000 g / mol w , M of about 500 g / mol to about 90,000 g / mol w , M of about 500 g / mol to about 80,000 g / mol w , M of about 500 g / mol to about 70,000 g / mol w , M of about 500 g / mol to about 60,000 g / mol w , M of about 500 g / mol to about 50,000 g / mol w , M of about 500 g / mol to about 40,000 g / mol w , M of about 500 g / mol to about 35,000 g / mol w , M of about 500 g / mol to about 30,000 g / mol w , M of about 500 g / mol to about 25,000 g / mol w , M of about 500 g / mol to about 20,000 g / mol w , M of about 500 g / mol to about 15,000 g / mol w , M of about 500 g / mol to about 10,000 g / mol w , M of about 10,000 g / mol to about 300,000 g / mol w , M of about 15,000 g / mol to about 300,000 g / mol w , M of about 25,000 g / mol to about 300,000 g / mol w , M of about 30,000 g / mol to about 300,000 g / mol w , M of about 35,000 g / mol to about 300,000 g / mol w , M of about 40,000 g / mol to about 300,000 g / mol w , M of about 45,000 g / mol to about 300,000 g / mol w , M of about 50,000 g / mol to about 300,000 g / mol w , M of about 60,000 g / mol to about 300,000 g / mol w, M of about 70,000 g / mol to about 300,000 g / mol w , M of about 80,000 g / mol to about 300,000 g / mol w , M of about 90,000 g / mol to about 300,000 g / mol w , M of about 100,000 g / mol to about 300,000 g / mol w , M of about 150,000 g / mol to about 300,000 g / mol w , M of about 200,000 g / mol to about 300,000 g / mol w , M of about 10,000 g / mol to about 30,000 g / mol w , M of about 10,000 g / mol to about 50,000 g / mol w , M of about 30,000 g / mol to about 70,000 g / mol w , M of about 50,000 g / mol to about 90,000 g / mol w , M of about 70,000 g / mol to about 120,000 g / mol w , M of about 50,000 g / mol to about 150,000 g / mol w , or an M of about 80,000 g / mol to about 150,000 g / mol w Any combination of the above values can be used when the organopolysiloxane in component (A) comprises at least two, three, or four organopolysiloxanes having different molecular weights.

[0041] For example, when the organopolysiloxane in component (A) includes at least two organopolysiloxanes having different molecular weights, the first organopolysiloxane has an M of about 50,000 g / mol to about 150,000 g / mol. w and the second organopolysiloxane may have an M of about 10,000 g / mol to about 50,000 g / mol. w The third organopolysiloxane, when present, may have an M of from about 500 g / mol to about 10,000 g / mol. w may have:

[0042] ii. Component (B) The curable organopolysiloxane foam-forming composition contains 3 to 70 parts by weight of an organopolysiloxane having at least an average of 1.5 silicon-bonded hydrogen atoms in the molecule (B).

[0043] Component (B) in the curable organopolysiloxane composition is a crosslinking agent and is an organopolysiloxane having at least an average of 1.5 silicon-bonded hydrogen atoms in the molecule. For example, the organopolysiloxane may have at least an average of 2 silicon-bonded hydrogen atoms in the molecule. The bonding sites of the silicon-bonded hydrogen atoms can be at the molecular terminals, molecular side chains, or both the molecular terminals and molecular side chains. Examples of silicon-bonded groups other than hydrogen atoms include substituted or unsubstituted monovalent hydrocarbon groups such as methyl group, ethyl group, propyl group, butyl group, pentyl group, and hexyl group, alkenyl groups such as vinyl group, allyl group, butenyl group, pentenyl group, hexenyl group, and heptenyl group, aryl groups such as phenyl group, tolyl group, and xylyl group, aralkyl groups such as benzyl group and phenethyl group, halogenated alkyl groups such as 3-chloropropyl group and 3,3,3-trifluoropropyl group, alkoxysilylalkyl groups such as trimethoxysilylethyl group, methyldimethoxysilylethyl group, triethoxysilylethyl group, and trimethoxysilylpropyl group, alkoxy groups such as methoxy group, ethoxy group, and propoxy group, and glycidoxyalkyl groups such as glycidoxypropyl group and glycidoxybutyl group. Examples of the molecular structure of the organopolysiloxane having at least an average of 1.5 silicon-bonded hydrogen atoms in the molecule include linear structure, partially branched linear structure, branched chain structure, network structure, and dendritic structure. The organopolysiloxane having at least an average of 1.5 silicon-bonded hydrogen atoms in the molecule can be a mixture of two or more types of organopolysiloxanes having these molecular structures. The viscosity of the organopolysiloxane having at least an average of 1.5 silicon-bonded hydrogen atoms in the molecule at 25°C can be in the range of 1 to 1,000 mPa·s, for example, and can be in the range of 1 to 500,000 mPa·s.

[0044] Examples of organopolysiloxanes having at least an average of 1.5 silicon-bonded hydrogen atoms in the molecule include, but are not limited to, methylhydrogenpolysiloxane capped at both molecular ends with trimethylsiloxy groups, dimethylsiloxane-methylhydrogensiloxane copolymer capped at both molecular ends with trimethylsiloxy groups, methylhydrogensiloxane-methylphenylsiloxane copolymer capped at both molecular ends with trimethylsiloxy groups, dimethylsiloxane-methylhydrogensiloxane-methylphenylsiloxane copolymer capped at both molecular ends with trimethylsiloxy groups, dimethylpolysiloxane capped at both molecular ends with dimethylhydrogensiloxy groups, methylhydrogenpolysiloxane capped at both molecular ends with dimethylhydrogensiloxy groups, dimethylsiloxane-methylhydrogensiloxane copolymer capped at both molecular ends with dimethylhydrogensiloxy groups, dimethylsiloxane-methylphenylsiloxane copolymer capped at both molecular ends with dimethylhydrogensiloxy groups, dimethylsiloxane-methylhydrogensiloxane-methylphenylsiloxane copolymer capped at both molecular ends with dimethylhydrogensiloxy groups, the following formula, R’3SiO 1 / 2 units represented by, and the following formula, SiO 4 / 2 organopolysiloxanes containing units represented by, the following formula, R’ 3 / 2 organopolysiloxanes containing units represented by, the following formula, R’2SiO 2 / 2 units represented by, and the following formula, R’SiO 3 / 2 organopolysiloxanes containing units represented by, the following formula, R’2SiO 2 / 2 units represented by, and the following formula, R’SiO 3 / 2 units represented by, and the following formula, SiO 4 / 2Organopolysiloxanes containing units represented by, methylhydrogen siloxane-methyl(trimethoxysilylethyl)siloxane copolymers capped at both molecular ends using trimethylsiloxy groups, methylhydrogen siloxane-methyl(trimethoxysilylethyl)siloxane-methyl(3-glycidoxypropyl)siloxane copolymers capped at both molecular ends using trimethylsiloxy groups, dimethylsiloxane-methylhydrogen siloxane-methyl(trimethoxysilylethyl)siloxane copolymers capped at both molecular ends using trimethylsiloxy groups, dimethylsiloxane-methylhydrogen siloxane-methyl(trimethoxysilylethyl)siloxane-methyl(3-glycidoxypropyl)siloxane copolymers capped at both molecular ends using trimethylsiloxy groups, methylhydrogen siloxane-methyl(triethoxysilylethyl)siloxane copolymers capped at both molecular ends using trimethylsiloxy groups, methylhydrogen siloxane-methyl(triethoxysilylethyl)siloxane-methyl(3-glycidoxypropyl)siloxane copolymers capped at both molecular ends using trimethylsiloxy groups, dimethylsiloxane-methylhydrogen siloxane-methyl(trimethoxysilylethyl)siloxane copolymers capped at both molecular ends using trimethylsiloxy groups, dimethylsiloxane-methylhydrogen siloxane-methyl(triethoxysilylethyl)siloxane-methyl(3-glycidoxypropyl)siloxane copolymers capped at both molecular ends using trimethylsiloxy groups, and mixtures of two or more types of these organopolysiloxanes. R' in the above formula is a substituted or unsubstituted monovalent hydrocarbon group, and examples of this monovalent hydrocarbon group include the above alkyl group, alkenyl group, aryl group, aralkyl group, or halogenated alkyl group.In one embodiment, the organopolysiloxane having an average of at least 1.5 silicon-bonded hydrogen atoms per molecule can be a mixture of an organopolysiloxane having silicon-bonded hydrogen atoms only at both molecular ends and an organopolysiloxane having at least 3 silicon-bonded hydrogen atoms per molecule, which is attributed to the excellent mechanical characteristics, particularly elongation, of the cured product formed by this composition.

[0045] In one embodiment, the organopolysiloxane in component (B) is a hydride-terminated organopolysiloxane, a hydride-pendant organopolysiloxane, or a hydride-terminated and hydride-pendant organopolysiloxane. For example, the organopolysiloxane in component (B) can be a hydride-terminated organopolysiloxane. In another embodiment, the organopolysiloxane in component (B) can be a hydride-pendant organopolysiloxane. In yet another embodiment, the organopolysiloxane in component (B) can be a hydride-terminated and hydride-pendant organopolysiloxane.

[0046] The content of organopolysiloxanes having an average of at least 1.5 silicon-bonded hydrogen atoms per molecule is determined by determining whether the amount of silicon-bonded hydrogen atoms in the organopolysiloxanes having an average of at least 1.5 silicon-bonded hydrogen atoms per molecule is greater than or equal to the average unit formula R a SiO (4ーa) / 2 The amount may be in the range of 0.05 to 20 mol per mole of alkenyl groups in the organopolysiloxane represented by the formula:

[0047] Component (B) is present in an amount of 1 to 70 parts by weight. For example, component (B) may be present in an amount of 1 to 50 parts by weight, 1 to 40 parts by weight, 1 to 30 parts by weight, 1 to 25 parts by weight, 1 to 20 parts by weight, 1 to 15 parts by weight, 3 to 70 parts by weight, 3 to 50 parts by weight, 3 to 40 parts by weight, 5 to 40 parts by weight, 3 to 30 parts by weight, 3 to 25 parts by weight, 3 to 20 parts by weight, 3 to 15 parts by weight, 5 to 70 parts by weight, 10 to 70 parts by weight, 15 to 70 parts by weight, 20 to 70 parts by weight, 30 to 70 parts by weight, 5 to 30 parts by weight, 10 to 50 parts by weight, or 10 to 30 parts by weight.

[0048] iii. Component (C) The curable organopolysiloxane foam-forming composition contains 0.1 to 50 parts by weight of a blowing agent (C).

[0049] The blowing agent may be a hydroxyl-containing compound selected from the group consisting of polyols, monofunctional alcohols, silanol group-containing organosilanes, silanol group-containing organosiloxanes, and water. The blowing agent may also include a mixture of such compounds. The hydroxyl groups on the blowing agent react with a part of the silicon-bonded hydrogen of component (B) described herein to generate hydrogen gas (H2), which forms cells in the foam.

[0050] When the blowing agent contains a polyol, it can be an organic alcohol having 3 to 12 carbon atoms and containing on average at least 2 hydroxyl groups per molecule. The carbon chain constituting the polyol skeleton can be linear or branched, or can have an aromatic ring to which a hydroxyl group is not directly bonded. Examples of polyols that can be used include saturated polyhydric alcohols having at least two hydroxy groups per molecule. Saturated polyhydric alcohols are taught, for example, in U.S. Patent No. 4,871,781, which is incorporated by reference for its teaching regarding saturated polyhydric alcohols as blowing agents. Examples of aliphatic polyhydric alcohols are diols such as 1,2-ethanediol, 2,3-propanediol, 1,3-propanediol, 1,4-butanediol, 1,5 pentanediol, and 1,6-hexanediol; tetritols such as 1,2,3-propanetriol, 2,2-bis-hydroxymethyl-1-butanol, erythritol and pentaerythritol (2,2-bis-hydroxymethyl-1,3-propanediol); pentitols such as arabinitol, xylitol, and methylpentitol; hexitols such as mannitol and sorbitol; and alicyclic polyhydric alcohols such as cyclohexanediol, cyclohexane tirol, and inositol.

[0051] In one aspect, the polyol is a diol. Suitable diols include, but are not limited to, 1,2 ethanediol, 1,4-butanediol, 1,5-pentanediol, and 1,7-heptanediol. Enough polyol is used to produce the amount of hydrogen required for the foaming process to produce a suitable foam.

[0052] When the blowing agent contains a monohydric alcohol, it can be an organic alcohol containing 1 to 12 carbon atoms and 1 hydroxyl group per molecule. The carbon chain constituting the skeleton of the organic alcohol can be linear, branched, or can have an aromatic ring to which the hydroxyl group is not directly bonded. This optional monohydric alcohol is different from a polyol in that the monohydric alcohol cannot contain more than two hydroxyl groups per molecule on average. The amount of optional monohydric alcohol required to reduce the density of the foam of the present invention varies depending on the composition of the foam-forming composition and the monohydric alcohol used. Examples of monohydric alcohols include methanol, ethanol, n-propanol, isopropanol, n-butanol, 2-butanol, tert-butanol, n-octanol, and benzyl alcohol.

[0053] When the blowing agent is a silanol group-containing organosilane, it includes, for example, compounds represented by the following general formulas (1) and (2),

Chemical formula

Chemical formula

[0054] When the blowing agent is a silanol group-containing organosiloxane, for example, it contains a compound represented by the following general formula (3).

Chemical formula

[0055] When the blowing agent is water, it is added in an amount of about 100 parts by weight to 1.5 parts by weight of water based on 1 million parts of component (A). The use of water as a blowing agent for silicone foams is taught, for example, by Modic in U.S. Patent No. 4,289,545, which is incorporated herein by reference for its teachings regarding the use of water as a blowing agent. Water can be added such that there is 0.2:1 to 50:1 moles of silicon-bonded hydrogen in component (B) per mole of water. For example, the ratio of silicon-bonded hydrogen to water can be 1:1 to 5:1.

[0056] Component (C) is present in an amount of 0.1 to 50 parts by weight. For example, component (C) can be present in an amount of 0.1 to 40 parts by weight, 0.1 to 30 parts by weight, 0.1 to 25 parts by weight, 0.1 to 20 parts by weight, 0.1 to 15 parts by weight, 0.5 to 50 parts by weight, 5 to 50 parts by weight, 10 to 50 parts by weight, 15 to 50 parts by weight, 20 to 50 parts by weight, 30 to 50 parts by weight, 0.5 to 40 parts by weight, 0.5 to 30 parts by weight, 5 to 40 parts by weight, 5 to 30 parts by weight, 3 to 20 parts by weight, or 5 to 20 parts by weight. Component (C) can be present in an amount such that the amount of silicon-bonded hydrogen atoms in component (C) is 0.05 to 20 moles per mole of alkenyl groups in component (A).

[0057] iv. Component (D) The curable organopolysiloxane foam-forming composition is (D) 0.00001 to 20 parts by weight of particles, i. a platinum group catalyst, and ii. A T of at least 20 °C g or a molecular weight-controlled thermoplastic polymer having a softening temperature, 1. An M of about 500 g / mol to about 30,000 g / mol w and a polystyrene or its copolymer having a polydispersity index (PDI) of less than 2, 2. An M of about 500 g / mol to about 30,000 g / mol w and a polymethyl methacrylate or its copolymer having a PDI of less than 2, 3. An M of about 500 g / mol to about 30,000 g / mol w and a polyacrylonitrile or its copolymer having a PDI of less than 2, selected from the group consisting of, a molecular weight-controlled thermoplastic polymer, containing 0.00001 to 20 parts by weight of particles, The platinum group catalyst is completely encapsulated within the thermoplastic polymer.

[0058] The molecular weight-controlled thermoplastic polymer used for the disclosed particles has a narrow molecular weight and a narrow polydispersity index (PDI) that enable a lower and more defined activation temperature when the particles are used in a curable organopolysiloxane composition. It is desirable to match the activation temperature to a specific application. Also, having a narrow molecular weight and a narrow PDI improves the reproducibility of the particles, which means that each batch of the particles behaves substantially the same with respect to the activation temperature. Having a large PDI (e.g., greater than 2) can cause each batch of the particles to have significantly different activation temperatures, making the particles unpredictable.

[0059] The catalyst is a hydrosilylation catalyst. In one aspect, the platinum group catalyst is selected from the group consisting of platinum (Pt), palladium (Pd), ruthenium (Ru), rhodium (Rh), osmium (Os), iridium (Ir), and any combination thereof. For example, the platinum group catalyst can be platinum. In another example, the platinum group catalyst can be palladium. In yet another example, the platinum group catalyst can be ruthenium. In yet another example, the platinum group catalyst can be rhodium. In yet another example, the platinum group catalyst can be osmium. In yet another example, the platinum group catalyst can be iridium. Non-limiting specific hydrosilylation reaction catalysts include platinum black, platinum-supported alumina powder, platinum-supported silica powder, platinum-supported carbon powder, chloroplatinic acid, an alcohol solution of chloroplatinic acid, a complex of platinum and an olefin, a complex of platinum and an alkenylsiloxane such as divinyltetramethyldisiloxane, and a catalyst prepared by further diluting a complex of platinum and an alkenylsiloxane with an alkenylsiloxane, a siloxane oligomer, etc., palladium-based catalysts such as tetrakis(triphenylphosphine)palladium, and rhodium-based catalysts.

[0060] The encapsulated Pt catalyst developed in International Publication No. WO 2021 / 113470 provides physical isolation of the Pt catalyst from the silicone hydride and the blowing agent when incorporated into a silicone foam composition, thus eliminating H2 formation during sample storage and mixing steps. Such compositions typically have a long shelf life and on-demand curing at the applied temperature. In particular, by using encapsulated Pt catalysts with different lower activation temperatures, the release of the Pt catalyst for hydrogen formation in the foaming process can be finely tuned, thus overcoming process barriers in conventional silicone compositions and creating new potential uses for silicone foams.

[0061] In one aspect, the particles contain from about 0.01 wt% to about 50 wt% of a platinum group catalyst. For example, the particles can contain from about 0.01 wt% to about 40 wt% of a platinum group catalyst. In another embodiment, the particles can contain from about 0.01 wt% to about 30 wt% of a platinum group catalyst. In yet another embodiment, the particles can contain from about 0.1 wt% to about 50 wt% of a platinum group catalyst. In yet another embodiment, the particles can contain from about 0.1 wt% to about 40 wt% of a platinum group catalyst. In yet another embodiment, the particles can contain from about 0.1 wt% to about 30 wt% of a platinum group catalyst. In yet another embodiment, the particles can contain from about 0.1 wt% to about 20 wt% of a platinum group catalyst. In yet another embodiment, the particles can contain from about 0.1 wt% to about 10 wt% of a platinum group catalyst. In another embodiment, the particles can contain from about 1 wt% to about 10 wt% of a platinum group catalyst. In yet another embodiment, the particles can contain from about 2 wt% to about 10 wt% of a platinum group catalyst. In another embodiment, the particles can contain from about 10 wt% to about 50 wt% of a platinum group catalyst. In yet another embodiment, the particles can contain from about 20 wt% to about 50 wt% of a platinum group catalyst.

[0062] In one aspect, the molecular weight controlled thermoplastic polymer can have a T g or softening temperature of at least 30°C. For example, the molecular weight controlled thermoplastic polymer can have a T g or softening temperature of at least 40°C. In another embodiment, the molecular weight controlled thermoplastic polymer can have a T g or softening temperature of at least 50°C. In yet another embodiment, the molecular weight controlled thermoplastic polymer can have a T g or softening temperature of at least 60°C. In yet another embodiment, the molecular weight controlled thermoplastic polymer can have a T g or softening temperature of at least 70°C. In yet another embodiment, the molecular weight controlled thermoplastic polymer can have a T g or softening temperature of at least 80°C. In yet another embodiment, the molecular weight controlled thermoplastic polymer can have a T g or softening temperature of at least 90°C. In yet another embodiment, the molecular weight controlled thermoplastic polymer can have a T gOr it can be the softening temperature. In yet another embodiment, the molecular weight-controlled thermoplastic polymer has a T of 30°C to 100°C g Or it can be the softening temperature. °C. In yet another embodiment, the molecular weight-controlled thermoplastic polymer has a T of 30°C to 180°C g Or it can be the softening temperature. In yet another embodiment, the molecular weight-controlled thermoplastic polymer has a T of 50°C to 100°C g Or it can be the softening temperature. In yet another embodiment, the molecular weight-controlled thermoplastic polymer has a T of 70°C to 100°C g Or it can be the softening temperature. In yet another embodiment, the molecular weight-controlled thermoplastic polymer has a T of 20°C to 80°C g Or it can be the softening temperature. In yet another embodiment, the molecular weight-controlled thermoplastic polymer has a T of 20°C to 60°C g Or it can be the softening temperature. In yet another embodiment, the molecular weight-controlled thermoplastic polymer has a T of 55°C to 75°C g Or it can be the softening temperature. In yet another embodiment, the molecular weight-controlled thermoplastic polymer has a T of 75°C to 95°C g Or it can be the softening temperature.

[0063] In one aspect, the molecular weight-controlled thermoplastic polymer has a T of at least 20°C g Temperature. For example, the molecular weight-controlled thermoplastic polymer has a T of at least 40°C g It can be. In another embodiment, the molecular weight-controlled thermoplastic polymer has a T of at least 50°C g It can be. In yet another embodiment, the molecular weight-controlled thermoplastic polymer has a T of at least 60°C g It can be. In yet another embodiment, the molecular weight-controlled thermoplastic polymer has a T of at least 70°C g It can be. In yet another embodiment, the molecular weight-controlled thermoplastic polymer has a T of at least 80°C g It can be. In yet another embodiment, the molecular weight-controlled thermoplastic polymer has a T of at least 90°C gIt can be. In yet another embodiment, the molecular weight-controlled thermoplastic polymer has a T of 20°C to 100°C g It can be. In yet another embodiment, the molecular weight-controlled thermoplastic polymer has a T of 30°C to 100°C g It can be. In yet another embodiment, the molecular weight-controlled thermoplastic polymer has a T of 30°C to 180°C g It can be. In yet another embodiment, the molecular weight-controlled thermoplastic polymer has a T of 50°C to 100°C g It can be. In yet another embodiment, the molecular weight-controlled thermoplastic polymer has a T of 70°C to 100°C g It can be. In yet another embodiment, the molecular weight-controlled thermoplastic polymer has a T of 20°C to 80°C g It can be. In yet another embodiment, the molecular weight-controlled thermoplastic polymer has a T of 20°C to 60°C g It can be. In yet another embodiment, the molecular weight-controlled thermoplastic polymer has a T of 55°C to 75°C g It can be. In yet another embodiment, the molecular weight-controlled thermoplastic polymer has a T of 75°C to 95°C g It can be.

[0064] In one aspect, the molecular weight-controlled thermoplastic polymer can have a softening temperature of at least 20°C. For example, the molecular weight-controlled thermoplastic polymer can have a softening temperature of at least 40°C. In another embodiment, the molecular weight-controlled thermoplastic polymer can have a softening temperature of at least 50°C. In yet another embodiment, the molecular weight-controlled thermoplastic polymer can have a softening temperature of at least 60°C. In yet another embodiment, the molecular weight-controlled thermoplastic polymer can have a softening temperature of at least 70°C. In yet another embodiment, the molecular weight-controlled thermoplastic polymer can have a softening temperature of at least 80°C. In yet another embodiment, the molecular weight-controlled thermoplastic polymer can have a softening temperature of at least 90°C. In yet another embodiment, the molecular weight-controlled thermoplastic polymer can have a softening temperature of 20°C to 100°C. In yet another embodiment, the molecular weight-controlled thermoplastic polymer can have a softening temperature of 30°C to 100°C. In yet another embodiment, the molecular weight-controlled thermoplastic polymer can have a softening temperature of 30°C to 180°C. In yet another embodiment, the molecular weight-controlled thermoplastic polymer can have a softening temperature of 50°C to 100°C. In yet another embodiment, the molecular weight-controlled thermoplastic polymer can have a softening temperature of 70°C to 100°C. In yet another embodiment, the molecular weight-controlled thermoplastic polymer can have a softening temperature of 20°C to 80°C. In yet another embodiment, the molecular weight-controlled thermoplastic polymer can have a softening temperature of 20°C to 60°C. In yet another embodiment, the molecular weight-controlled thermoplastic polymer can have a softening temperature of 55°C to 75°C. In yet another embodiment, the molecular weight-controlled thermoplastic polymer can have a softening temperature of 75°C to 95°C.

[0065] In one aspect, the molecular weight-controlled thermoplastic polymer can have a melting temperature of 20°C to 180°C. For example, the molecular weight-controlled thermoplastic polymer can have a melting temperature of 40°C to 100°C. In another embodiment, the molecular weight-controlled thermoplastic polymer can have a melting temperature of 50°C to 100°C. In yet another embodiment, the molecular weight-controlled thermoplastic polymer can have a melting temperature of 60°C to 100°C. In yet another embodiment, the molecular weight-controlled thermoplastic polymer can have a melting temperature of 30°C to 90°C. In yet another embodiment, the molecular weight-controlled thermoplastic polymer can have a melting temperature of 30°C to 180°C. In yet another embodiment, the molecular weight-controlled thermoplastic polymer can have a melting temperature of 30°C to 60°C. In yet another embodiment, the molecular weight-controlled thermoplastic polymer can have a melting temperature of 60°C to 90°C. In yet another embodiment, the molecular weight-controlled thermoplastic polymer can have a melting temperature of 55°C to 75°C. In yet another embodiment, the molecular weight-controlled thermoplastic polymer can have a melting temperature of 75°C to 95°C.

[0066] In one aspect, the thermoplastic polymer is polystyrene or a copolymer thereof having an M of about 500 g / mol to about 30,000 g / mol w and a polydispersity index (PDI) of less than 2. For example, the thermoplastic polymer can be polystyrene or a copolymer thereof having an M of about 500 g / mol to about 30,000 g / mol w and a polydispersity index (PDI) of less than 1.8. In another embodiment, the thermoplastic polymer can be polystyrene or a copolymer thereof having an M of about 500 g / mol to about 30,000 g / mol w and a polydispersity index (PDI) of less than 1.5. In yet another embodiment, the thermoplastic polymer can be polystyrene or a copolymer thereof having an M of about 500 g / mol to about 30,000 g / mol w and a polydispersity index (PDI) of less than 1.2. In yet another embodiment, the thermoplastic polymer can be polystyrene or a copolymer thereof having an M of about 500 g / mol to about 30,000 g / mol w and a polydispersity index (PDI) of less than 1.1.

[0067] In one aspect, the thermoplastic polymer is polystyrene or a copolymer thereof having an M of from about 1,000 g / mol to about 15,000 g / mol w and a polydispersity index (PDI) of less than 2. For example, the thermoplastic polymer can be polystyrene or a copolymer thereof having an M of from about 1,000 g / mol to about 15,000 g / mol w and a polydispersity index (PDI) of less than 1.8. In another embodiment, the thermoplastic polymer can be polystyrene or a copolymer thereof having an M of from about 1,000 g / mol to about 15,000 g / mol w and a polydispersity index (PDI) of less than 1.5. In yet another embodiment, the thermoplastic polymer can be polystyrene or a copolymer thereof having an M of from about 1,000 g / mol to about 15,000 g / mol w and a polydispersity index (PDI) of less than 1.2. In yet another embodiment, the thermoplastic polymer can be polystyrene or a copolymer thereof having an M of from about 1,000 g / mol to about 15,000 g / mol w and a polydispersity index (PDI) of less than 1.1.

[0068] In one aspect, the thermoplastic polymer is polystyrene or a copolymer thereof having an M of from about 15,000 g / mol to about 30,000 g / mol w and a polydispersity index (PDI) of less than 2. For example, the thermoplastic polymer can be polystyrene or a copolymer thereof having an M of from about 15,000 g / mol to about 30,000 g / mol w and a polydispersity index (PDI) of less than 1.8. In another embodiment, the thermoplastic polymer can be polystyrene or a copolymer thereof having an M of from about 15,000 g / mol to about 30,000 g / mol w and a polydispersity index (PDI) of less than 1.5. In yet another embodiment, the thermoplastic polymer can be polystyrene or a copolymer thereof having an M of from about 15,000 g / mol to about 30,000 g / mol w, and can be polystyrene or a copolymer thereof having a polydispersity index (PDI) of less than 1.2. In yet another embodiment, the thermoplastic polymer has an M of from about 15,000 g / mol to about 30,000 g / mol w , and can be polystyrene or a copolymer thereof having a polydispersity index (PDI) of less than 1.1.

[0069] In one aspect, the thermoplastic polymer is polystyrene. In another aspect, the thermoplastic polymer is a copolymer of polystyrene. Non-limiting examples of copolymers of polystyrene include styrene-butadiene copolymers, styrene-isoprene copolymers, styrene-ethylene-butylene copolymers, styrene-N-vinylpyrrolidone copolymers, styrene-acrylonitrile copolymers, acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS) copolymers, styrene-allyl alcohol copolymers, and styrene-maleic anhydride copolymers.

[0070] In one aspect, the thermoplastic polymer has an M of from about 500 g / mol to about 30,000 g / mol w , and is polymethyl methacrylate or a copolymer thereof having a polydispersity index (PDI) of less than 2. For example, the thermoplastic polymer has an M of from about 500 g / mol to about 30,000 g / mol w , and can be polymethyl methacrylate or a copolymer thereof having a polydispersity index (PDI) of less than 1.8. In yet another embodiment, the thermoplastic polymer has an M of from about 500 g / mol to about 30,000 g / mol w , and can be polymethyl methacrylate or a copolymer thereof having a polydispersity index (PDI) of less than 1.5. In yet another embodiment, the thermoplastic polymer has an M of from about 500 g / mol to about 30,000 g / mol w , and can be polymethyl methacrylate or a copolymer thereof having a polydispersity index (PDI) of less than 1.2. In yet another embodiment, the thermoplastic polymer has an M of from about 500 g / mol to about 30,000 g / mol w , and can be polymethyl methacrylate or a copolymer thereof having a polydispersity index (PDI) of less than 1.1.

[0071] In one aspect, the thermoplastic polymer is polymethyl methacrylate or a copolymer thereof having an M of about 1,000 g / mol to about 15,000 g / mol w and a polydispersity index (PDI) of less than 2. For example, the thermoplastic polymer can be polymethyl methacrylate or a copolymer thereof having an M of about 1,000 g / mol to about 15,000 g / mol w and a polydispersity index (PDI) of less than 1.8. In another example, the thermoplastic polymer can be polymethyl methacrylate or a copolymer thereof having an M of about 1,000 g / mol to about 15,000 g / mol w and a polydispersity index (PDI) of less than 1.5. In yet another example, the thermoplastic polymer can be polymethyl methacrylate or a copolymer thereof having an M of about 1,000 g / mol to about 15,000 g / mol w and a polydispersity index (PDI) of less than 1.2. In still another example, the thermoplastic polymer can be polymethyl methacrylate or a copolymer thereof having an M of about 1,000 g / mol to about 15,000 g / mol w and a polydispersity index (PDI) of less than 1.1.

[0072] In one aspect, the thermoplastic polymer is polymethyl methacrylate or a copolymer thereof having an M of about 15,000 g / mol to about 30,000 g / mol w and a polydispersity index (PDI) of less than 2. For example, the thermoplastic polymer can be polymethyl methacrylate or a copolymer thereof having an M of about 15,000 g / mol to about 30,000 g / mol w and a polydispersity index (PDI) of less than 1.8. In another example, the thermoplastic polymer can be polymethyl methacrylate or a copolymer thereof having an M of about 15,000 g / mol to about 30,000 g / mol w and a polydispersity index (PDI) of less than 1.5. In yet another example, the thermoplastic polymer can be polymethyl methacrylate or a copolymer thereof having an M of about 15,000 g / mol to about 30,000 g / mol w, and can be polymethyl methacrylate or a copolymer thereof having a polydispersity index (PDI) of less than 1.2. In yet another embodiment, the thermoplastic polymer has an M of about 15,000 g / mol to about 30,000 g / mol w , and can be polymethyl methacrylate or a copolymer thereof having a polydispersity index (PDI) of less than 1.1.

[0073] In one aspect, the thermoplastic polymer is polymethyl methacrylate. In another aspect, the thermoplastic polymer is a copolymer of polymethyl methacrylate. Non-limiting examples of copolymers of polymethyl methacrylate include polymethyl methacrylate-styrene copolymers, polymethyl methacrylate-acrylate copolymers, and copolymers of polymethyl methacrylate and polymethacrylate having pendant groups such as one or more n-butyl groups or n-hexyl groups.

[0074] In one aspect, the thermoplastic polymer has an M of about 500 g / mol to about 30,000 g / mol w , and is polyacrylonitrile or a copolymer thereof having a polydispersity index (PDI) of less than 2. For example, the thermoplastic polymer has an M of about 500 g / mol to about 30,000 g / mol w , and can be polyacrylonitrile or a copolymer thereof having a polydispersity index (PDI) of less than 1.8. In yet another embodiment, the thermoplastic polymer has an M of about 500 g / mol to about 30,000 g / mol w , and can be polyacrylonitrile or a copolymer thereof having a polydispersity index (PDI) of less than 1.5. In yet another embodiment, the thermoplastic polymer has an M of about 500 g / mol to about 30,000 g / mol w , and can be polyacrylonitrile or a copolymer thereof having a polydispersity index (PDI) of less than 1.2. In yet another embodiment, the thermoplastic polymer has an M of about 500 g / mol to about 30,000 g / mol w , and can be polyacrylonitrile or a copolymer thereof having a polydispersity index (PDI) of less than 1.1.

[0075] In one aspect, the thermoplastic polymer is polyacrylonitrile or a copolymer thereof having an M of about 1,000 g / mol to about 15,000 g / mol w and a polydispersity index (PDI) of less than 2. For example, the thermoplastic polymer can be polyacrylonitrile or a copolymer thereof having an M of about 1,000 g / mol to about 15,000 g / mol w and a polydispersity index (PDI) of less than 1.8. In another embodiment, the thermoplastic polymer can be polyacrylonitrile or a copolymer thereof having an M of about 1,000 g / mol to about 15,000 g / mol w and a polydispersity index (PDI) of less than 1.5. In yet another embodiment, the thermoplastic polymer can be polyacrylonitrile or a copolymer thereof having an M of about 1,000 g / mol to about 15,000 g / mol w and a polydispersity index (PDI) of less than 1.2. In yet another embodiment, the thermoplastic polymer can be polyacrylonitrile or a copolymer thereof having an M of about 1,000 g / mol to about 15,000 g / mol w and a polydispersity index (PDI) of less than 1.1.

[0076] In one aspect, the thermoplastic polymer is polyacrylonitrile or a copolymer thereof having an M of about 15,000 g / mol to about 30,000 g / mol w and a polydispersity index (PDI) of less than 2. For example, the thermoplastic polymer can be polyacrylonitrile or a copolymer thereof having an M of about 15,000 g / mol to about 30,000 g / mol w and a polydispersity index (PDI) of less than 1.8. In another embodiment, the thermoplastic polymer can be polyacrylonitrile or a copolymer thereof having an M of about 15,000 g / mol to about 30,000 g / mol w and a polydispersity index (PDI) of less than 1.5. In yet another embodiment, the thermoplastic polymer can be polyacrylonitrile or a copolymer thereof having an M of about 15,000 g / mol to about 30,000 g / mol w, and may be polyacrylonitrile or a copolymer thereof having a polydispersity index (PDI) of less than 1.2. In yet another embodiment, the thermoplastic polymer has an M of from about 15,000 g / mol to about 30,000 g / mol w , and may be polyacrylonitrile or a copolymer thereof having a polydispersity index (PDI) of less than 1.1.

[0077] In one aspect, the thermoplastic polymer is polyacrylonitrile. In another aspect, the thermoplastic polymer is a copolymer of polyacrylonitrile. Non-limiting examples of copolymers of polyacrylonitrile include polyacrylonitrile-butadiene copolymers and polyacrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS) copolymers.

[0078] In one aspect, the average particle size of the particles is from about 0.01 μm to about 500 μm. For example, it may have an average particle size of from about 0.01 μm to about 300 μm. In another embodiment, it may have an average particle size of from about 0.01 μm to about 150 μm. In yet another embodiment, it may have an average particle size of from about 0.01 μm to about 100 μm. In yet another embodiment, it may have an average particle size of from about 0.01 μm to about 80 μm. In yet another embodiment, it may have an average particle size of from about 0.01 μm to about 50 μm. In yet another embodiment, it may have an average particle size of from about 0.01 μm to about 30 μm. In yet another embodiment, it may have an average particle size of from about 0.01 μm to about 20 μm. In yet another embodiment, it may have an average particle size of from about 1 μm to about 30 μm. In yet another embodiment, it may have an average particle size of from about 100 μm to about 300 μm. In yet another embodiment, it may have an average particle size of from about 100 μm to about 500 μm.

[0079] The particles disclosed in this specification can be produced by emulsion technology. For example, the platinum group catalyst and the thermoplastic polymer can be added to an oil / water system. This system can be sheared to cause micelle formation. The solvent can be removed to integrate the micelles. The micelles can be filtered, washed, and dried.

[0080] The particles disclosed in this specification can also be produced using spray drying technology. For example, the platinum group catalyst and the thermoplastic polymer can be added to a solvent system. This solvent system dissolves the thermoplastic polymer. Then, the particles can be produced by spraying the solvent system as an aerosol. The particles can be washed and dried.

[0081] Component (D) is present in an amount of 0.00001 to 20 parts by weight. For example, component (D) can be present in an amount of 0.01 to 20 parts by weight, 0.01 to 10 parts by weight, 0.1 to 20 parts by weight, 1 to 20 parts by weight, 0.1 to 15 parts by weight, 0.1 to 10 parts by weight, 0.00001 to 10 parts by weight, 0.00001 to 5 parts by weight, 3 to 8 parts by weight, 1 to 10 parts by weight, 5 to 15 parts by weight, or 0.00001 to 1 part by weight.

[0082] In one aspect, the particles disclosed herein are present in an amount effective to promote crosslinking of a curable organopolysiloxane foam-forming composition by a hydrosilylation reaction. For example, the particles disclosed herein may be present in an amount of 0.05 wt% to 5 wt%, based on the total weight of the curable organopolysiloxane foam-forming composition. In another embodiment, the particles disclosed herein may be present in an amount of 0.5 wt% to 5 wt%, based on the total weight of the curable organopolysiloxane foam-forming composition. In yet another embodiment, the particles disclosed herein may be present in an amount of 1 wt% to 5 wt%, based on the total weight of the curable organopolysiloxane foam-forming composition. In yet another embodiment, the particles disclosed herein may be present in an amount of 3 wt% to 5 wt%, based on the total weight of the curable organopolysiloxane foam-forming composition. In yet another embodiment, the particles disclosed herein may be present in an amount of 0.05 wt% to 3 wt%, based on the total weight of the curable organopolysiloxane foam-forming composition. In yet another embodiment, the particles disclosed herein may be present in an amount of 0.05 wt% to 1 wt%, based on the total weight of the curable organopolysiloxane foam-forming composition. In yet another embodiment, the particles disclosed herein may be present in an amount of 0.05 wt% to 0.5 wt%, based on the total weight of the curable organopolysiloxane foam-forming composition.

[0083] v. Component (E) Component (E) is an optional component in the curable organopolysiloxane foam-forming composition. When present, the curable organopolysiloxane foam-forming composition further comprises from more than 0 parts by weight to 100 parts by weight of a silicone resin different from component (A), which is from more than 0 parts by weight to 100 parts by weight of a silicone resin.

[0084] The silicone resin can be identified according to the shorthand nomenclature system known to those skilled in the art as the nomenclature of "MDTQ". In this nomenclature system, silicone is described according to the presence of various siloxane monomer units that make up the silicone. Briefly, the symbol M represents a monofunctional unit (CH3)3SiO 0.5represents, D represents the difunctional unit (CH3)2SiO, and T represents the trifunctional unit (CH3)SiO 1.5 represents, and Q represents the tetrafunctional unit SiO2. The prime symbols of the unit symbols (e.g., M’, D’, T’, and Q’) represent substituents other than methyl and need to be specifically defined for each occurrence. Typical alternative substituents include groups such as vinyl, phenyl, amine, and hydroxyl. The molar ratios of the various units, either from the perspective of the subscript for the symbol indicating the total number (or its average) of each type of unit in the silicone or from the perspective of the ratio specifically indicated in combination with the molecular weight, complete the description of the silicone material based on the MDTQ system. A higher relative molar amount of T, Q, T’ and / or Q’ to D, D’, M, and / or M’ in the silicone resin indicates a higher crosslinking level.

[0085] Suitable silicone resins in component (E) include, but are not limited to, MQ, MT, MTQ, MDT, MDTQ, MDQ, DT, DTQ, or DQ resins. In one aspect, methyl is a silicone resin substituent. In another aspect, the silicone resin is an MQ silicone resin.

[0086] When present, component (E) is present in an amount greater than 0 parts by weight up to 100 parts by weight. For example, component (E) can be present in an amount greater than 0 parts by weight up to 90 parts by weight, greater than 0 parts by weight up to 80 parts by weight, greater than 0 parts by weight up to 70 parts by weight, greater than 0 parts by weight up to 60 parts by weight, greater than 0 parts by weight up to 50 parts by weight, greater than 0 parts by weight up to 40 parts by weight, greater than 0 parts by weight up to 30 parts by weight, greater than 0 parts by weight up to 20 parts by weight, greater than 0 parts by weight up to 10 parts by weight, greater than 0 parts by weight up to 5 parts by weight, 5 to 10 parts by weight, 5 to 20 parts by weight, 5 to 30 parts by weight, 5 to 40 parts by weight, 5 to 50 parts by weight, 5 to 60 parts by weight, 5 to 70 parts by weight, 5 to 80 parts by weight, 5 to 90 parts by weight, or 5 to 100 parts by weight.

[0087] vi. Component (F) Component (F) is an optional component in the curable organopolysiloxane foam-forming composition. When present, the curable organopolysiloxane foam-forming composition further comprises from more than 0 to 150 parts by weight of a silicone base material containing a silicone polymer having at least one alkenyl group, which is different from component (A) and is from more than 0 to 150 parts by weight of a silicone base material.

[0088] The silicone base material containing a silicone polymer having at least one alkenyl group provides high heat resistance to the resulting cured foam. Examples of the silicone polymer having at least one alkenyl group include, but are not limited to, polysiloxanes having a linear structure containing at least one alkenyl group, polysiloxanes having at least one alkenyl group at the ends of their molecules, and cyclic siloxane compounds containing at least one alkenyl group.

[0089] Non-limiting examples of the polysiloxane having a linear structure containing at least one alkenyl group include copolymers of dimethylsiloxane units, methylvinylsiloxane units and terminal trimethylsiloxy units, copolymers of diphenylsiloxane units, methylvinylsiloxane units and terminal trimethylsiloxy units, copolymers of methylphenylsiloxane units, methylvinylsiloxane units and terminal trimethylsiloxy units, and polysiloxanes whose ends are blocked with dimethylvinylsilyl groups.

[0090] Non-limiting examples of the polysiloxane having at least one alkenyl group at the ends of its molecules include the polysiloxanes exemplified above, in which the ends are blocked with dimethylalkenyl groups, and polysiloxanes containing at least one siloxane unit selected from the group consisting of dimethylalkenylsiloxane units, SiO2 units, SiO 3 / 2 units, and SiO units.

[0091] Non-limiting examples of cyclic siloxane compounds containing at least one alkenyl group include 1,3,5,7-vinyl-1,3,5,7-tetramethylcyclotetrasiloxane, 1-propyl-3,5,7-trivinyl-1,3,5,7-tetramethylcyclotetrasiloxane, 1,5-divinyl-3,7-dihexyl-1,3,5,7-tetramethylcyclotetrasiloxane, 1,3,5-trivinyl-1,3,5-trimethylcyclosiloxane, 1,3,5,7,9-pentavinyl-1,3,5,7,9-pentamethylcyclosiloxane, and 1,3,5,7,9,11-hexavinyl-1,3,5,7,9,11-hexamethylcyclosiloxane.

[0092] The at least one alkenyl group can be, for example, a vinyl group, an allyl group, a butenyl group, a pentenyl group, a hexenyl group, an octenyl group, a cyclohexenyl group, or any combination thereof.

[0093] In one aspect, component (F) includes silica and a silicone polymer containing at least one alkenyl group.

[0094] Component (F) is present in an amount greater than 0 parts by weight up to 150 parts by weight. For example, component (F) can be present in an amount greater than 0 parts by weight up to 140 parts by weight, greater than 0 parts by weight up to 130 parts by weight, greater than 0 parts by weight up to 120 parts by weight, greater than 0 parts by weight up to 110 parts by weight, greater than 0 parts by weight up to 100 parts by weight, greater than 0 parts by weight up to 90 parts by weight, greater than 0 parts by weight up to 80 parts by weight, greater than 0 parts by weight up to 70 parts by weight, greater than 0 parts by weight up to 60 parts by weight, greater than 0 parts by weight up to 50 parts by weight, greater than 0 parts by weight up to 40 parts by weight, greater than 0 parts by weight up to 30 parts by weight, greater than 0 parts by weight up to 20 parts by weight, greater than 0 parts by weight up to 10 parts by weight, greater than 0 parts by weight up to 5 parts by weight, 5 to 10 parts by weight, 10 to 20 parts by weight, 10 to 30 parts by weight, 10 to 40 parts by weight, 10 to 50 parts by weight, 10 to 60 parts by weight, 10 to 70 parts by weight, 10 to 80 parts by weight, 10 to 90 parts by weight, 10 to 100 parts by weight, 10 to 110 parts by weight, 10 to 120 parts by weight, 10 to 130 parts by weight, 10 to 140 parts by weight, or 10 to 150 parts by weight.

[0095] vii. Filler, treating agent, and / or surfactant The filler is an optional component in the curable organopolysiloxane foam-forming composition. When present, the curable organopolysiloxane foam-forming composition further comprises from more than 0 parts by weight to 150 parts by weight of the filler.

[0096] In one aspect, the filler can be an inorganic filler. The filler can be non-reactive in the curable organopolysiloxane foam-forming composition. Non-limiting examples of the filler include silicone dioxide fillers such as silica, fumed silica, colloidal silica, precipitated silica, crystalline quartz, and diatomaceous earth; carbon fillers such as carbon black, carbon fiber, carbon nanotube, graphite, graphene, and reduced graphene oxide; metal oxides such as titanium dioxide, aluminum oxide, iron oxide, zinc oxide, and indium tin oxide; metals such as silver and gold; calcium carbonate; microballoons, such as glass microballoons; and boron nitride.

[0097] The filler can be pretreated or treated in situ with a treating agent such as silazane (hexamethyldisilazane, divinyltetramethyldisilazane, etc.), cyclic silazane (dimethylcyclic silazane, 1,3,5,7-tetravinyl-1,3,5,7-tetramethylcyclotetrasilazane, etc.), chlorosilane (trimethylchlorosilane, dimethyldichlorosilane, dimethylvinylsilane, etc.), and low molecular weight silicone fluid (octamethylcyclotetrasiloxane, decamethylcyclopentasiloxane, etc.).

[0098] The filler can be present in an amount of from more than 0 parts by weight to 150 parts by weight. For example, the filler can be present in an amount of 10 - 150 parts by weight, 25 - 150 parts by weight, 50 - 150 parts by weight, 75 - 150 parts by weight, 100 - 150 parts by weight, 25 - 100 parts by weight, 50 - 100 parts by weight, 10 - 125 parts by weight, 25 - 125 parts by weight, more than 0 parts by weight to 100 parts by weight, more than 0 parts by weight to 50 parts by weight, or more than 0 parts by weight to 25 parts by weight.

[0099] The treatment agent may optionally be present in an amount of more than 0 parts by weight to 150 parts by weight. For example, the filler may be present in an amount of 10 to 150 parts by weight, 25 to 150 parts by weight, 50 to 150 parts by weight, 75 to 150 parts by weight, 100 to 150 parts by weight, 25 to 100 parts by weight, 50 to 100 parts by weight, 10 to 125 parts by weight, 25 to 125 parts by weight, more than 0 parts by weight to 100 parts by weight, more than 0 parts by weight to 50 parts by weight, or more than 0 parts by weight to 25 parts by weight.

[0100] The surfactant may optionally be present in an amount of more than 0 parts by weight to 150 parts by weight. For example, the filler may be present in an amount of 10 to 150 parts by weight, 25 to 150 parts by weight, 50 to 150 parts by weight, 75 to 150 parts by weight, 100 to 150 parts by weight, 25 to 100 parts by weight, 50 to 100 parts by weight, 10 to 125 parts by weight, 25 to 125 parts by weight, more than 0 parts by weight to 100 parts by weight, more than 0 parts by weight to 50 parts by weight, or more than 0 parts by weight to 25 parts by weight. The surfactant may be of anionic, cationic, nonionic, or zwitterionic type, or a mixture thereof. Suitable anionic organic surfactants include alkali metal soaps of higher fatty acids, alkylaryl sulfonates such as sodium dodecylbenzenesulfonate, long-chain (fatty) alcohol sulfates, olefin sulfates and sulfonates, sulphated monoglyceride, sulfated esters, sulphosuccinates, alkane sulfonates, phosphate esters, alkyl isothionates, sucrose esters, and fluorosurfactants.

[0101] Suitable cationic organic surfactants include alkylamine salts, quaternary ammonium salts, sulfonium salts, and phosphonium salts.

[0102] Suitable nonionic surfactants include condensates of ethylene oxide with long-chain (fatty) alcohols or (fatty) acids having, for example, C14-15 alcohols condensed with 7 moles of ethylene oxide (Dobanol® 45-7), condensates of ethylene oxide with amines or amides, condensation products of ethylene and propylene oxides, fatty acid alkylolamides, and fatty amine oxides.

[0103] Suitable amphoteric organic surfactants include imidazoline compounds, alkyl amino acid salts, and betaines.

[0104] viii. Component (G) Component (G) is an optional component in the curable organopolysiloxane foam-forming composition. When component (G) is present, the curable organopolysiloxane foam-forming composition further comprises from more than 0 parts to 100 parts of a non-functional fluid.

[0105] The physical properties of the foam (e.g., viscoelasticity, density, elastic modulus) can be adjusted using a non-functional fluid. Non-limiting examples of non-functional fluids include dimethylsiloxane polymers capped at both molecular ends with trimethylsiloxy groups, methylphenylsiloxane polymers capped at both molecular ends with trimethylsiloxy groups, dimethylsiloxane-methylphenylsiloxane copolymers capped at both molecular ends with trimethylsiloxy groups, methylphenylpolysiloxanes capped at both molecular ends with trimethylsiloxy groups, and dimethylsiloxane-diphenylsiloxane copolymers capped at both molecular ends with trimethylsiloxy groups.

[0106] The non-functional fluid can be present in an amount exceeding 0 parts by weight up to 100 parts by weight. For example, the non-functional fluid can be present in an amount of 1 to 100 parts by weight, 5 to 100 parts by weight, 10 to 100 parts by weight, 20 to 100 parts by weight, 30 to 100 parts by weight, 40 to 100 parts by weight, 50 to 100 parts by weight, 60 to 100 parts by weight, 70 to 100 parts by weight, 80 to 100 parts by weight, 90 to 100 parts by weight, 0 to 90 parts by weight, 0 to 80 parts by weight, 0 to 70 parts by weight, 0 to 60 parts by weight, 0 to 50 parts by weight, 0 to 40 parts by weight, 0 to 30 parts by weight, 0 to 20 parts by weight, 0 to 10 parts by weight, 1 to 50 parts by weight, 1 to 30 parts by weight, 1 to 20 parts by weight, 5 to 30 parts by weight, or 10 to 20 parts by weight.

[0107] ix. Reaction inhibitor The reaction inhibitor is an optional component in the curable organopolysiloxane foam-forming composition. When the reaction inhibitor is present, the curable organopolysiloxane foam-forming composition further contains the reaction inhibitor in an amount exceeding 0 parts by weight up to 5 parts by weight, for example, exceeding 0 parts by weight up to 10 parts by weight.

[0108] The reaction inhibitor decelerates and controls the reaction that occurs when the catalyst contacts the components in the curable organopolysiloxane foam-forming composition. For example, the reaction inhibitor can interact with the catalyst to reduce the activity of the catalyst. Non-limiting examples of the reaction inhibitor include acetylene alcohols such as 1-ethynyl-1-cyclohexanol, 2-methyl-3-butyn-2-ol, 2-phenyl-3-butyn-2-ol, 2-ethynylisopropanol, 2-ethynylbutan-2-ol, and 3,5-dimethyl-1-hexyn-3-ol; silylated acetylene alcohols such as trimethyl(3,5-dimethyl-1-hexyn-3-oxy)silane, methylvinylbis(3-methyl-1-butyn-3-oxy)silane, and ((1,1-dimethyl-2-propynyl)oxy)trimethylsilane; unsaturated carboxylic acid esters such as diallyl maleate, dimethyl maleate, diethyl fumarate, diallyl fumarate, and bis(methoxyisopropyl) maleate; conjugated en-yne compounds such as 2-isobutyl-1-butene-3-yne, 3,5-dimethyl-3-hexene-1-yne, 3-methyl-3-pentene-1-yne, 3-methyl-3-hexene-1-yne, 1-ethynylcyclohexene, 3-ethyl-3-butene-1-yne, and 3-phenyl-3-butene-1-yne; and alkenyl group-containing cyclic siloxanes such as 1,3,5,7-tetramethyl-1,3,5,7-tetravinylcyclotetrasiloxane.

[0109] The reaction inhibitor can be present in an amount greater than 0 parts by weight to 10 parts by weight. For example, the reaction inhibitor can be present in an amount greater than 0.5 parts by weight to 10 parts by weight, 1 to 10 parts by weight, 3 to 10 parts by weight, 5 to 10 parts by weight, greater than 0.5 parts by weight to greater than 8 parts by weight, 0.5 to 6 parts by weight, or 0.05 to 4 parts by weight.

[0110] In one aspect, the curable organopolysiloxane foam-forming composition can be a homogeneous mixture of all the components present in the curable organopolysiloxane foam-forming composition. For example, the curable organopolysiloxane foam-forming composition has the following average unit formula, R a SiO (4ーa) / 2An organopolysiloxane represented by the formula, which can be a homogeneous mixture of the organopolysiloxane having at least an average of 1.5 silicon-bonded hydrogen atoms in the molecule, a blowing agent, and the particles disclosed herein. In one aspect, the particles disclosed herein can be uniformly dispersed with other components in the curable organopolysiloxane foam-forming composition.

[0111] The curable organopolysiloxane foam-forming composition can be prepared herein by mixing the components in the curable organopolysiloxane foam-forming composition and activating the catalyst by applying heat to soften or melt the thermoplastic polymer encapsulating the catalyst in the particles.

[0112] C. Organopolysiloxane Foam Also disclosed herein is an organopolysiloxane foam. The organopolysiloxane foam can be produced from the curable organopolysiloxane foam-forming composition disclosed herein.

[0113] Also disclosed is an organopolysiloxane foam having a molecular weight-controlled thermoplastic polymer dispersed throughout the organopolysiloxane foam and having a T or softening temperature of at least 20 °C, wherein the molecular weight-controlled thermoplastic polymer is g a) polystyrene or a copolymer thereof having an M of about 500 g / mol to about 30,000 g / mol and a polydispersity index (PDI) of less than 2, a) M of about 500 g / mol to about 30,000 g / mol w and a polydispersity index (PDI) of less than 2, b) polymethyl methacrylate or a copolymer thereof having an M of about 500 g / mol to about 30,000 g / mol w and a PDI of less than 2, or c) polyacrylonitrile or a copolymer thereof having an M of about 500 g / mol to about 30,000 g / mol w and a PDI of less than 2, and is selected from the group consisting of: an organopolysiloxane foam is also disclosed.

[0114] The molecular weight-controlled thermoplastic polymer in the organopolysiloxane foam can have the properties described elsewhere herein.

[0115] D. Methods Also disclosed herein are methods of using the curable organopolysiloxane foam-forming compositions disclosed herein. Disclosed herein is a method of producing an organopolysiloxane foam, the method comprising a) providing a curable organopolysiloxane foam-forming composition disclosed herein; b) heating the curable organopolysiloxane foam-forming composition to a temperature effective to soften or melt the thermoplastic polymer and release the platinum group catalyst, thereby promoting the reaction to produce the organopolysiloxane foam.

[0116] In one aspect, the temperature effective to soften the thermoplastic polymer is from about 30 °C to about 180 °C. For example, the temperature effective to soften the thermoplastic polymer can be from about 40 °C to about 100 °C. In another example, the temperature effective to soften the thermoplastic polymer is from about 60 °C to about 90 °C. In another example, the temperature effective to soften the thermoplastic polymer is from about 55 °C to about 75 °C. In another example, the temperature effective to soften the thermoplastic polymer is from about 75 °C to about 95 °C. In another example, the temperature effective to soften the thermoplastic polymer is from about 100 °C to about 180 °C. In another example, the temperature effective to soften the thermoplastic polymer is from about 80 °C to about 150 °C. When the thermoplastic polymer softens, the platinum group catalyst is exposed to the organopolysiloxane component of the curable organopolysiloxane composition to cure the curable organopolysiloxane composition.

[0117] In one aspect, the temperature effective to melt the thermoplastic polymer is from about 30°C to about 180°C. For example, the temperature effective to melt the thermoplastic polymer can be from about 40°C to about 100°C. In another embodiment, the temperature effective to melt the thermoplastic polymer is from about 60°C to about 90°C. In another embodiment, the temperature effective to melt the thermoplastic polymer is from about 55°C to about 75°C. In another embodiment, the temperature effective to melt the thermoplastic polymer is from about 75°C to about 95°C. In another embodiment, the temperature effective to melt the thermoplastic polymer is from about 100°C to about 180°C. In another embodiment, the temperature effective to melt the thermoplastic polymer is from about 80°C to about 150°C. When the thermoplastic polymer melts, the platinum group catalyst is exposed to the organopolysiloxane component of the curable organopolysiloxane composition to cure the curable organopolysiloxane composition.

[0118] In one aspect, the curing of the curable organopolysiloxane foam-forming composition occurs during a period of more than 0 minutes to 144 hours. For example, the curing of the curable organopolysiloxane foam-forming may occur during a period of more than 0 minutes to 100 hours. In another embodiment, the curing of the curable organopolysiloxane foam-forming may occur during a period of more than 10 minutes to 90 hours. In yet another embodiment, the curing of the curable organopolysiloxane foam-forming may occur during a period of more than 10 minutes to 72 hours. In yet another embodiment, the curing of the curable organopolysiloxane foam-forming may occur during a period of more than 10 minutes to 48 hours. In yet another embodiment, the curing of the curable organopolysiloxane foam-forming may occur during a period of more than 10 minutes to 24 hours. In yet another embodiment, the curing of the curable organopolysiloxane foam-forming may occur during a period of 24 hours to 100 hours. In yet another embodiment, the curing of the curable organopolysiloxane foam-forming may occur during a period of 48 hours to 100 hours. In yet another embodiment, the curing of the curable organopolysiloxane foam-forming may occur during a period of more than 10 minutes to 18 hours. In yet another embodiment, the curing of the curable organopolysiloxane foam-forming may occur during a period of more than 10 minutes to 12 hours. In yet another embodiment, the curing of the curable organopolysiloxane foam-forming may occur during a period of more than 10 minutes to 6 hours. In yet another embodiment, the curing of the curable organopolysiloxane foam-forming may occur during a period of more than 10 minutes to 3 hours. In yet another embodiment, the curing of the curable organopolysiloxane foam-forming may occur during a period of more than 10 minutes to 1 hour. In yet another embodiment, the curing of the curable organopolysiloxane foam-forming may occur during a period of more than 12 hours to 72 hours. In yet another embodiment, the curing of the curable organopolysiloxane foam-forming may occur during a period of more than 24 hours to 72 hours.

[0119] In one aspect, providing a curable organopolysiloxane foam-forming includes applying the curable organopolysiloxane foam-forming to a surface. In one aspect, the surface can be a surface located indoors. In another aspect, the surface may require repair.

[0120] In one aspect, providing a curable organopolysiloxane foam formation includes molding, extrusion molding, or calendering the curable organopolysiloxane foam formation. For example, providing a curable organopolysiloxane foam formation may include molding. In another aspect, providing a curable organopolysiloxane foam formation may include extrusion molding. In another aspect, providing a curable organopolysiloxane foam formation may include calendering.

[0121] E. Aspect In view of the disclosure herein, certain more particularly described aspects of the present invention are described below. However, these more particularly described aspects should not be construed as having any limiting effect on any different claims containing different teachings or more general teachings described herein, nor should the "detailed" aspects be limited in any way other than the literal meaning of the language and formulas used therein.

[0122] Aspect 1: A curable organopolysiloxane foam formation composition, comprising: (A) 100 parts by weight of an organopolysiloxane represented by the following average unit formula, R a SiO (4ーa) / 2 wherein R is a substituted or unsubstituted monovalent hydrocarbon group, "a" is a number from 1.0 to 2.4, and the organopolysiloxane has at least an average of 1.5 alkenyl groups in the molecule, 100 parts by weight of an organopolysiloxane; (B) 1 to 70 parts by weight of an organopolysiloxane, for example 3 to 70 parts by weight, having at least an average of 1.5 silicon-bonded hydrogen atoms in the molecule, 1 to 70 parts by weight of an organopolysiloxane; (C) 0.1 to 50 parts of a blowing agent; (D) 0.00001 to 20 parts of particles, i. a platinum group catalyst; ii. a molecular weight-controlled thermoplastic polymer having a T g or softening temperature of at least 20°C, and having a M w, and polystyrene or its copolymer having a polydispersity index (PDI) of less than 2, 2. M of about 500 g / mol to about 30,000 g / mol w , and polymethyl methacrylate or its copolymer having a PDI of less than 2, and 3. M of about 500 g / mol to about 30,000 g / mol w , and polyacrylonitrile or its copolymer having a PDI of less than 2, a thermoplastic polymer with controlled molecular weight selected from the group consisting of, and 0.00001 to 20 parts of particles, wherein the platinum group catalyst is completely encapsulated within the thermoplastic polymer, a curable organopolysiloxane foam-forming composition.

[0123] Aspect 2: The curable organopolysiloxane foam-forming composition further comprises a reaction inhibitor of more than 0 part to 5 parts, for example more than 0 part to 10 parts, the curable organopolysiloxane foam-forming composition according to Aspect 1.

[0124] Aspect 3: The curable organopolysiloxane foam-forming composition further comprises a filler of more than 0 part to 150 parts, the curable organopolysiloxane foam-forming composition according to Aspect 1 or 2.

[0125] Aspect 4: The filler is an inorganic filler, the curable organopolysiloxane foam-forming composition according to Aspect 3.

[0126] Aspect 5: The organopolysiloxane in component (A) comprises at least two organopolysiloxanes having different molecular weights, the curable organopolysiloxane foam-forming composition according to any one of Aspects 1 to 4.

[0127] Aspect 6: The curable organopolysiloxane foam-forming composition further comprises a silicone resin of more than 0 part by weight to 100 parts by weight, which is different from component (A), a silicone resin of more than 0 part by weight to 100 parts by weight, the curable organopolysiloxane foam-forming composition according to any one of Aspects 1 to 5.

[0128] Aspect 7: The curable organopolysiloxane foam-forming composition further comprises a silicone base material of more than 0 parts by weight to 150 parts by weight, different from component (A), which contains a silicone polymer containing at least one alkenyl group, and is the curable organopolysiloxane foam-forming composition according to any one of Aspects 1 to 6.

[0129] Aspect 8: The curable organopolysiloxane foam-forming composition according to Aspect 6 or 7, wherein the silicone resin is an MQ silicone resin.

[0130] Aspect 9: The curable organopolysiloxane foam-forming composition according to Aspect 6 or 7, wherein E is present in an amount of more than 0 parts by weight to 60 parts by weight.

[0131] Aspect 10: The curable organopolysiloxane foam-forming composition according to Aspect 6 or 7, wherein the silicone base material contains silica and a silicone polymer containing at least one alkenyl group.

[0132] Aspect 11: The curable organopolysiloxane foam-forming composition according to Aspect 7, wherein F is present in an amount of 10 to 40 parts by weight.

[0133] Aspect 12: The curable organopolysiloxane foam-forming composition according to Aspect 6 or 7, wherein E is present in an amount of 5 to 40 parts by weight.

[0134] Aspect 13: The curable organopolysiloxane foam-forming composition according to any one of Aspects 1 to 12, wherein the organopolysiloxane in part (B) is present in an amount of 5 to 40 parts by weight.

[0135] Aspect 14: The curable organopolysiloxane foam-forming composition according to any one of Aspects 1 to 13, wherein the blowing agent is present in an amount of 5 to 40 parts by weight.

[0136] Aspect 15: The curable organopolysiloxane foam-forming composition according to any one of Aspects 1 to 14, further comprising from more than 0 parts to 100 parts of a non-functional fluid.

[0137] Aspect 16: The curable organopolysiloxane foam-forming composition according to any one of Aspects 1 to 15, wherein the particles are present in an amount of 0.01 to 10 parts by weight.

[0138] Aspect 17: The curable organopolysiloxane foam-forming composition according to any one of Aspects 1 to 16, wherein the thermoplastic polymer is polystyrene or a copolymer thereof having an M of about 500 g / mol to about 30,000 g / mol w and a polydispersity index (PDI) of less than 2.

[0139] Aspect 18: The curable organopolysiloxane foam-forming composition according to Aspect 17, wherein the polystyrene or a copolymer thereof has an M of about 1,000 g / mol to about 15,000 g / mol. w

[0140] Aspect 19: The curable organopolysiloxane foam-forming composition according to Aspect 17 or 18, wherein the polystyrene or a copolymer thereof has a PDI of less than 1.5.

[0141] Aspect 20: The curable organopolysiloxane foam-forming composition according to Aspect 17 or 18, wherein the polystyrene or a copolymer thereof has a PDI of less than 1.2.

[0142] Aspect 21: The curable organopolysiloxane foam-forming composition according to any one of Aspects 1 to 20, wherein the thermoplastic polymer is polymethyl methacrylate or a copolymer thereof having an M of about 500 g / mol to about 30,000 g / mol w and a polydispersity index (PDI) of less than 2.

[0143] Aspect 22: The curable organopolysiloxane foam-forming composition according to Aspect 21, wherein the polymethyl methacrylate or a copolymer thereof has an M of about 1,000 g / mol to about 15,000 g / mol.w The curable organopolysiloxane foam-forming composition according to any one of Aspects 1 to 21, which has

[0144] Aspect 23: The curable organopolysiloxane foam-forming composition according to Aspect 22, wherein the polymethyl methacrylate or its copolymer has a PDI of less than 1.5.

[0145] Aspect 24: The curable organopolysiloxane foam-forming composition according to Aspect 22, wherein the polymethyl methacrylate or its copolymer has a PDI of less than 1.2.

[0146] Aspect 25: The curable organopolysiloxane foam-forming composition according to any one of Aspects 1 to 24, wherein the thermoplastic polymer is polyacrylonitrile or its copolymer having an M of about 500 g / mol to about 30,000 g / mol w and a polydispersity index (PDI) of less than 2.

[0147] Aspect 26: The curable organopolysiloxane foam-forming composition according to Aspect 25, wherein the polyacrylonitrile or its copolymer has an M of about 1,000 g / mol to about 15,000 g / mol w and the curable organopolysiloxane foam-forming composition according to Aspect 25.

[0148] Aspect 27: The curable organopolysiloxane foam-forming composition according to Aspect 25, wherein the polyacrylonitrile or its copolymer has a PDI of less than 1.5.

[0149] Aspect 28: The curable organopolysiloxane foam-forming composition according to Aspect 25, wherein the polyacrylonitrile or its copolymer has a PDI of less than 1.2.

[0150] Aspect 29: The curable organopolysiloxane foam-forming composition according to any one of Aspects 1 to 28, wherein the particles have an average particle diameter of about 0.01 μm to about 500 μm.

[0151] Aspect 30: The particles are the curable organopolysiloxane foam-forming composition according to any one of Aspects 1 to 29, containing from about 0.01% to about 50% by weight of a platinum group catalyst.

[0152] Aspect 31: The curable organopolysiloxane foam-forming composition is the one-component curable organopolysiloxane foam-forming composition according to any one of Aspects 1 to 30.

[0153] Aspect 32: The curable organopolysiloxane foam-forming composition is the two-component curable organopolysiloxane foam-forming composition according to any one of Aspects 1 to 30.

[0154] Aspect 33: Component (C) is present in such an amount that the amount of silicon-bonded hydrogen atoms in Component (C) is 0.05 to 20 mol per 1 mol of alkenyl groups in Component (A), in the curable organopolysiloxane foam-forming composition according to any one of Aspects 1 to 32.

[0155] Aspect 34: Component (E) is present in an amount effective to promote the crosslinking of the curable organopolysiloxane composition by the hydrosilylation reaction when the platinum group catalyst is released, in the curable organopolysiloxane foam-forming composition according to any one of Aspects 1 to 33.

[0156] Aspect 35: The curable organopolysiloxane foam-forming composition is a homogeneous composition, in the curable organopolysiloxane foam-forming composition according to any one of Aspects 1 to 34.

[0157] Aspect 36: The molecular weight-controlled thermoplastic polymer has a T of 30°C to 180°C g or a softening temperature, in the curable organopolysiloxane foam-forming composition according to any one of Aspects 1 to 35.

[0158] Aspect 37: The molecular weight-controlled thermoplastic polymer has a T of 55°C to 75°C gA curable organopolysiloxane foam-forming composition according to any one of Aspects 1 to 35, which has a melting point or a softening temperature.

[0159] Aspect 38: The thermoplastic polymer with controlled molecular weight has a T of 75°C to 95°C g A curable organopolysiloxane foam-forming composition according to any one of Aspects 1 to 35, which has a melting point or a softening temperature.

[0160] Aspect 39: The curable organopolysiloxane foam-forming composition comprises: (A) 100 parts by weight of an organopolysiloxane represented by the following average unit formula, R a SiO (4ーa) / 2 wherein R is a substituted or unsubstituted monovalent hydrocarbon group, "a" is a number from 1.0 to 2.4, and the organopolysiloxane has at least an average of 1.5 alkenyl groups in the molecule; 100 parts by weight of an organopolysiloxane; (B) 10 to 30 parts by weight of an organopolysiloxane having at least an average of 1.5 silicon-bonded hydrogen atoms in the molecule; 10 to 30 parts by weight of an organopolysiloxane; (C) 5 to 20 parts of a blowing agent; (D) 0.05 to 8 parts of particles, i. a platinum group catalyst; ii. a thermoplastic polymer with controlled molecular weight having a melting point or a softening temperature of at least 20°C, 1. polystyrene or its copolymer having an M of about 500 g / mol to about 30,000 g / mol g and a polydispersity index (PDI) of less than 2, 2. polymethyl methacrylate or its copolymer having an M of about 500 g / mol to about 30,000 g / mol w and a PDI of less than 2, and 3. an M of about 500 g / mol to about 30,000 g / mol w and a PDI of less than 2, and 3. an M of about 500 g / mol to about 30,000 g / mol wand a molecular weight-controlled thermoplastic polymer selected from the group consisting of polyacrylonitrile or a copolymer thereof having a PDI of less than 2, and 0.05 to 8 parts of particles, wherein the platinum group catalyst is completely encapsulated within the thermoplastic polymer, and (E) more than 0 parts by weight to 60 parts by weight of a silicone resin different from component (A), and (G) more than 0 parts by weight to 100 parts by weight of a non-functional fluid, the curable organopolysiloxane foam-forming composition according to any one of aspects 1 to 38.

[0161] Aspect 40: The curable organopolysiloxane foam-forming composition comprises (A) 100 parts by weight of an organopolysiloxane represented by the following average unit formula, R a SiO (4ーa) / 2 wherein R is a substituted or unsubstituted monovalent hydrocarbon group, and "a" is a number from 1.0 to 2.4, and having at least an average of 1.5 alkenyl groups in the molecule, 100 parts by weight of an organopolysiloxane; (B) 5 to 30 parts by weight of an organopolysiloxane having at least an average of 1.5 silicon-bonded hydrogen atoms in the molecule, 5 to 30 parts by weight of an organopolysiloxane; (C) 0.1 to 50 parts of a blowing agent; (D) 0.05 to 8 parts of particles, i. a platinum group catalyst; ii. a molecular weight-controlled thermoplastic polymer having a T g or softening temperature of at least 20°C, being 1. polystyrene or a copolymer thereof having an M w of about 500 g / mol to about 30,000 g / mol and a polydispersity index (PDI) of less than 2, 2. polystyrene or a copolymer thereof having an M w of about 500 g / mol to about 30,000 g / mol and a PDI of less than 2, and 3. polystyrene or a copolymer thereof having an M wA molecular weight-controlled thermoplastic polymer selected from the group consisting of polyacrylonitrile or a copolymer thereof having a PDI of less than 2, and 0.05 to 8 parts of particles, wherein the platinum group catalyst is completely encapsulated within the thermoplastic polymer, and (F) 10 to 40 parts by weight of a silicone base material containing a silicone polymer containing at least one alkenyl group, which is different from component (A), 10 to 40 parts by weight of a silicone base material, and (G) more than 0 parts by weight to 100 parts by weight of a non-functional fluid. The curable organopolysiloxane foam-forming composition according to any one of Aspects 1 to 39.

[0162] Aspect 41: a) providing a curable organopolysiloxane foam-forming composition according to any one of Aspects 1 to 40 or 51 to 52; and b) heating the curable organopolysiloxane foam-forming composition to a temperature effective to soften or melt the thermoplastic polymer and release the platinum group catalyst, thereby promoting the reaction to form an organopolysiloxane foam. A method or production of an organopolysiloxane foam.

[0163] Aspect 42: The method according to Aspect 41, wherein the temperature effective to soften or melt the thermoplastic polymer is about 30°C to about 180°C.

[0164] Aspect 43: The method according to Aspect 41, wherein the temperature effective to soften or melt the thermoplastic polymer is about 55°C to about 75°C.

[0165] Aspect 44: The method according to Aspect 41, wherein the temperature effective to soften or melt the thermoplastic polymer is about 75°C to about 95°C.

[0166] Aspect 45: The method according to any one of Aspects 41 to 44, wherein the curing of the curable organopolysiloxane foam-forming composition occurs during a period of more than 0 minutes to 144 hours.

[0167] Embodiment 46: The method of any one of embodiments 41 to 45, wherein providing the curable organopolysiloxane composition comprises applying the curable organopolysiloxane foam-forming composition to a surface.

[0168] Embodiment 47: The method of any one of embodiments 41 to 46, wherein providing the curable organopolysiloxane foam-forming composition comprises molding, extruding, or calendering the curable organopolysiloxane composition.

[0169] Aspect 48: A polysiloxane having a T of at least 20° C. dispersed throughout the organopolysiloxane foam g or an organopolysiloxane foam having a molecular weight controlled thermoplastic polymer having a softening temperature, the molecular weight controlled thermoplastic polymer having a M of about 500 g / mol to about 30,000 g / mol. w and polystyrene or copolymers thereof having a polydispersity index (PDI) of less than 2; b) a polystyrene copolymer having an M of about 500 g / mol to about 30,000 g / mol; w and polymethyl methacrylate or copolymers thereof having a PDI of less than 2, or c) a M of about 500 g / mol to about 30,000 g / mol. w and polyacrylonitrile or copolymers thereof having a PDI of less than 2.

[0170] Aspect 49: The organopolysiloxane foam of Aspect 48, wherein the organopolysiloxane foam is produced from the curable organopolysiloxane foam-forming composition of any one of Aspects 1-40 or 51-52.

[0171] Aspect 50: The curable organopolysiloxane foam-forming composition of any one of Aspects 1 to 40, wherein the organopolysiloxane in (A) is an alkenyl-terminated organopolysiloxane, an alkenyl-pendant organopolysiloxane, or an alkenyl-terminated and alkenyl-pendant organopolysiloxane.

[0172] Aspect 51: The organopolysiloxane in (B) is a hydride-terminated organopolysiloxane, a hydride-pendant organopolysiloxane, or a hydride-terminated and hydride-pendant organopolysiloxane, and is a curable organopolysiloxane foam-forming composition according to any one of Aspects 1 to 40 and 51.

Examples

[0173] F. Examples The following examples are presented to provide those skilled in the art with a complete disclosure and description of how the compounds, compositions, materials, devices, and / or methods described and claimed herein are made and evaluated, and are intended to be purely illustrative and not intended to limit the scope of what the inventors regard as their invention. Although efforts have been made to ensure accuracy with respect to numerical values (e.g., amounts, temperatures, etc.), some errors and deviations should be considered. Unless otherwise indicated, parts are by weight, temperatures are in °C or at ambient temperature, and pressures are at or near atmospheric pressure. Reaction conditions include, for example, component concentrations, desired solvents, solvent mixtures, temperatures, pressures, and numerous variations and combinations of other reaction ranges and conditions, which can be used to optimize the purity and yield of the products obtained from the described processes. Only reasonable and routine experimentation is required to optimize such process conditions.

[0174] Examples are provided herein showing the preparation of non-limiting exemplary particles disclosed herein using molecular weight-controlled polystyrene (PS) and molecular weight-controlled poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA). Encapsulated Pt particles were prepared using both an emulsion approach and a spray drying approach. The two approaches are the same with respect to the purpose of particle preparation and should not be limited to specific thermoplastic polymers. Examples 1 and 2 are the preparation of encapsulated Pt particles using molecular weight-controlled PS. Example 3 is the preparation of encapsulated Pt particles using molecular weight-controlled PMMA via a spray drying process.

[0175] I. Example 1 (Encapsulated Pt Sample A Using Molecular Weight-Controlled PS) A flask was filled with 400 g of methylene chloride and then 15 g of low molecular weight PS (M w = 1800 Daltons, PDI = 1.04). This solution was stirred using a magnetic stirrer until the polystyrene was dissolved, and then 3.0 g of Karstedt catalyst (about 3 wt% Pt content) in isopropyl alcohol solution was charged into the solution and mixed until homogeneous. In a separate flask filled with 600 g of deionized water, 15 g of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) was charged and mixed until the solution became clearly transparent. A 12 L three-necked flask equipped with an air-driven stir bar, thermocouple, cooler, and mantle heater was filled with 350 mL of the PVA solution and 200 mL of deionized water. The stir bar was started, and then 180 mL of the above methylene chloride solution was added dropwise. After the addition, 900 mL of deionized water was charged into the emulsion mixture. Then, a nitrogen (N2) purge (2 liters / min) was applied to the flask, and the mixture was gradually heated to 40 °C within 4 hours and held for an additional 6 hours while purging with N2. The final mixture was milky due to the fine particles precipitated at the bottom of the flask. The fine particles were then isolated by centrifugation (3500 rpm), washed with isopropyl alcohol and deionized water, and finally dried under vacuum at room temperature.

[0176] ii. Example 2 (Encapsulated Pt Sample B Using Molecular Weight-Controlled PS) The same process as described in Example 1 was used, but polystyrene of different molecular weights was used. A flask was filled with 400 g of methylene chloride and then 15 g of low molecular weight PS (M w(with a molecular weight of 4000 Daltons and a PDI of 1.04) was charged. This solution was stirred using a magnetic stirrer until the polystyrene was dissolved, and then 3.0 g of Karstedt catalyst (with a Pt content of approximately 3 wt%) in an isopropyl alcohol solution was charged into the solution and mixed until homogeneous. In a separate flask filled with 600 g of deionized water, 15 g of PVA was charged and mixed until the solution became clearly transparent. A 12 L three-necked flask equipped with an air-driven stir bar, a thermocouple, a condenser, and a mantle heater was filled with 350 mL of the PVA solution and 200 mL of deionized water. The stir bar was started, and then 180 mL of the above-mentioned methylene chloride solution was added dropwise. After the addition, 900 mL of deionized water was charged into the emulsion mixture. Then, an N2 purge (2 liters / min) was applied to the flask, and the mixture was gradually heated to 40 °C within 4 hours and held for an additional 6 hours while purging with N2. The final mixture was milky due to the fine particles that precipitated at the bottom of the flask. The fine particles were then isolated by centrifugation (3500 rpm), washed with isopropyl alcohol and deionized water, and finally dried under vacuum at room temperature.

[0177] iii. Example 3 (Encapsulated Pt sample C using conventional PS) The same process as described in Example 1 was used, but polystyrene having a molecular weight and PDS outside the range of the particles disclosed herein was used. The flask was filled with 400 g of methylene chloride, and then 15 g of conventional PS (M w(with a weight average molecular weight of 350 kDa and a PDI of 2.2) was charged. This solution was stirred using a magnetic stirrer until the polystyrene was dissolved, and then 3.0 g of Karstedt's catalyst (with a Pt content of approximately 3 wt%) in isopropyl alcohol solution was charged into the solution and mixed until homogeneous. In a separate flask filled with 600 g of deionized water, 15 g of PVA was charged and mixed until the solution became clearly transparent. A 12 L three-necked flask equipped with an air-driven stir bar, a thermocouple, a condenser, and a mantle heater was filled with 350 mL of the PVA solution and 200 mL of deionized water. The stir bar was activated, and then 180 mL of the above methylene chloride solution was added dropwise. After the addition, 900 mL of deionized water was charged into the emulsion mixture. Then, an N2 purge (2 liters / min) was applied to the flask, and the mixture was gradually heated to 40 °C within 4 hours and held for an additional 6 hours while purging with N2. The final mixture was milky due to the fine particles that precipitated at the bottom of the flask. The fine particles were then isolated by centrifugation (3500 rpm), washed with isopropyl alcohol and deionized water, and finally dried under vacuum at room temperature.

[0178] iv. Example 4. Silicone foam composition using catalyst sample A A sample A of the encapsulated catalyst from Example 1 was tested in a silicone foam composition comprising polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) (32.3 wt%) blocked at both ends with dimethylvinylsiloxy groups and having a viscosity of 100,000 cP at 25 °C, polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) (33.1 wt%) blocked at both ends with dimethylvinylsiloxy groups and having a viscosity of 35,000 cP at 25 °C, a silicone base material (14.5 wt%), a polymethylhydrogensiloxane (10 - 45 cSt) crosslinking agent (11.2 wt%), an encapsulated Pt catalyst (2.0 wt%), and a pentanediol blowing agent (6.7 wt%). The above silicone base material is polydimethylsiloxane (4 k cP, 73 wt%) blocked at the ends with dimethylvinylsiloxy, and fumed silica (200 m2 It consists of the surface area of / g and 25% by weight. The above-mentioned uniformly mixed composition can be made into a two-component type. The A part typically contains a PDMS polymer, a silicone base material, a bowling agent, and catalyst A, and the B part typically contains a PDMS polymer, a silicone base material, and a cross-linking agent. The composition can also be made into a one-component type containing all of the above components. The obtained composition had a pot life exceeding 3 weeks at 40°C. The composition was cured at 65°C, 85°C, 100°C, and 150°C for 20 minutes respectively. It was partially cured at 65°C, but completely cured at 85°C, 100°C, and 150°C, resulting in a silicone foam having uniform fine cells with a diameter of about 1 mm or less.

[0179] v. Example 5: Silicone Foam Composition Using Catalyst Sample B A sample B of the encapsulated catalyst from Example 2 was tested in a silicone foam composition comprising polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) (32.3% by weight) blocked with dimethylvinylsiloxy groups at both ends, having a viscosity of 100,000 cP at 25°C, polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) (33.1% by weight) blocked with dimethylvinylsiloxy groups at both ends, having a viscosity of 35,000 cP at 25°C, a silicone base material (14.5% by weight), a polymethylhydrogensiloxane (10 - 45 cSt) cross-linking agent (11.2% by weight), an encapsulated Pt catalyst (2.0% by weight), and a pentanediol blowing agent (6.7% by weight). The above-mentioned silicone base material consists of polydimethylsiloxane (4k cP, 73% by weight) blocked at the ends with dimethylvinylsiloxy and fumed silica (200m treated with hexamethyldisilazane (2% by weight)) 2The surface area of / g, 25% by weight). The above composition, which is homogeneously mixed, can be in a two - component form. Here, the A part typically contains a PDMS polymer, a silicone substrate, a bowling agent, and catalyst A, and the B part typically contains a PDMS polymer, a silicone substrate, and a cross - linking agent. The composition can also be in a one - component form containing all of the above components. The resulting composition had a pot life exceeding 3 weeks at 40°C. The composition was cured at 65°C, 85°C, 100°C, and 150°C for 20 minutes each. It did not cure at 65°C, but was completely cured at 85°C, 100°C, and 150°C, resulting in a silicone foam having uniform micro - cells with a diameter of about 1 mm.

[0180] vi. Example 6: Silicone Foam Composition Using Catalyst Sample C A sample C of the encapsulated catalyst from Example 3 was tested in a silicone foam composition comprising polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) (32.3% by weight) blocked at both ends with dimethylvinylsiloxy groups and having a viscosity of 100,000 cP at 25°C, polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) (33.1% by weight) blocked at both ends with dimethylvinylsiloxy groups and having a viscosity of 35,000 cP at 25°C, a silicone substrate (14.5% by weight), a polymethylhydrogensiloxane (10 - 45 cSt) cross - linking agent (11.2% by weight), an encapsulated Pt catalyst (2.0% by weight), and a pentanediol blowing agent (6.7% by weight). The above - mentioned silicone substrate is composed of polydimethylsiloxane (4k cP, 73% by weight) blocked at the ends with dimethylvinylsiloxy and fumed silica (200m treated with hexamethyldisilazane (2% by weight) 2The surface area of / g, 25% by weight). The above composition, which is homogeneously mixed, can be in a two-component form. Here, the A part typically contains a PDMS polymer, a silicone substrate, a bowling agent, and sample A, and the B part typically contains a PDMS polymer, a silicone substrate, and a crosslinking agent. The composition can also be in a one-component form containing all of the above components. The resulting composition had a pot life exceeding 3 weeks at 40°C. The composition was cured at 65°C, 85°C, 100°C, and 150°C for 20 minutes each. At 65°C and 85°C, it did not cure; at 100°C, it partially cured; and at 150°C, it completely cured, resulting in a silicone foam having uniform microcells with a diameter of about 1 mm. [Table 1]

[0181] The encapsulated catalyst was used in the silicone foam system (Examples 4 - 6) and was able to drive the foaming reaction at various temperatures in the range of 65°C to 150°C. The encapsulated catalyst successfully prevented curing and hydrogen formation at room temperature for all three variations (Samples A - C), and the temperature at which the material cures is clearly different between each catalyst, with Sample A curing at the lowest temperature and Catalyst C curing at the highest temperature among the tested temperatures, as listed in Table 1.

[0182] It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made to the invention without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Other aspects of the invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art from consideration of the specification and practice of the invention disclosed herein. The specification and examples are to be considered as merely illustrative, and it is intended that the true scope and spirit of the invention be indicated by the following claims.

Claims

1. A curable organopolysiloxane foam-forming composition comprising: (A) The following average unit formula: R ａ SiO （４ーａ）／２ 100 parts by weight of an organopolysiloxane represented by In the formula, R is a substituted or unsubstituted monovalent hydrocarbon group, and "a" is a number from 1.0 to 2.4, and 100 parts by weight of an organopolysiloxane having at least an average of 1.5 alkenyl groups in the molecule, (B) 1 to 70 parts by weight of an organopolysiloxane having at least an average of 1.5 silicon-bonded hydrogen atoms in the molecule, (C) 0.1 to 50 parts by weight of a blowing agent, and (D) 0.00001 to 20 parts by weight of particles, i. A platinum group catalyst, and ii. T of at least 20 °C ｇ or a molecular weight-controlled thermoplastic polymer having a softening temperature, 1. M having a weight average molecular weight of from about 500 g / mol to about 30,000 g / mol ｗ , and polystyrene or a copolymer thereof having a polydispersity index (PDI) of less than 2, 2. M of about 500 g / mol to about 30,000 g / mol ｗ , and a polymethyl methacrylate or a copolymer thereof having a PDI of less than 2, and 3. M of about 500 g / mol to about 30,000 g / mol ｗ , and a molecular weight-controlled thermoplastic polymer selected from the group consisting of polyacrylonitrile or a copolymer thereof having a PDI of less than 2, and containing 0.00001 to 20 parts by weight of particles The platinum group catalyst is completely encapsulated in a thermoplastic polymer, a curable organopolysiloxane foam-forming composition.

2. The organopolysiloxane in (A) is an alkenyl-terminated organopolysiloxane, an alkenyl-pendant organopolysiloxane, or an alkenyl-terminated and alkenyl-pendant organopolysiloxane, the curable organopolysiloxane foam-forming composition according to Claim 1.

3. The organopolysiloxane in (B) is a hydride-terminated organopolysiloxane, a hydride-pendant organopolysiloxane, or a hydride-terminated and hydride-pendant organopolysiloxane, the curable organopolysiloxane foam-forming composition according to Claim 1.

4. The curable organopolysiloxane foam-forming composition further comprises more than 0 parts by weight to 5 parts by weight of a reaction inhibitor, the curable organopolysiloxane foam-forming composition according to Claim 1.

5. The curable organopolysiloxane foam-forming composition further comprises more than 0 parts by weight to 150 parts by weight of a filler, a treating agent, or a surfactant, or a combination thereof, the curable organopolysiloxane foam-forming composition according to Claim 1.

6. The filler is an inorganic filler, the curable organopolysiloxane foam-forming composition according to Claim 5.

7. The organopolysiloxane in part (B) is present in an amount of 5 to 40 parts by weight, the curable organopolysiloxane foam-forming composition according to Claim 1.

8. The blowing agent is present in an amount of 5 to 40 parts by weight, the curable organopolysiloxane foam-forming composition according to Claim 1.

9. The curable organopolysiloxane foam-forming composition according to claim 1, wherein the particles are present in an amount of 0.01 to 10 parts by weight.

10. The thermoplastic polymer has an M of about 500 g / mol to about 30,000 g / mol ｗ The curable organopolysiloxane foam-forming composition according to claim 1, which is polystyrene or a copolymer thereof having a polydispersity index (PDI) of less than 2.

11. The polystyrene or its copolymer has an M of about 500 g / mol to about 15,000 g / mol ｗ The curable organopolysiloxane foam-forming composition according to claim 10, having a PDI of less than 1.

2.

12. The thermoplastic polymer has an M of about 500 g / mol to about 30,000 g / mol ｗ The curable organopolysiloxane foam-forming composition according to claim 1, which is polymethyl methacrylate or a copolymer thereof having a polydispersity index (PDI) of less than 2.

13. The polymethyl methacrylate or its copolymer has an M of about 500 g / mol to about 15,000 g / mol ｗ The curable organopolysiloxane foam-forming composition according to claim 12, having a PDI of less than 1.

2.

14. The thermoplastic polymer has an M of about 500 g / mol to about 30,000 g / mol ｗ The curable organopolysiloxane foam-forming composition according to claim 1, which is polyacrylonitrile or a copolymer thereof having a polydispersity index (PDI) of less than 2.

15. The polyacrylonitrile or copolymer thereof has an M of from about 500 g / mol to about 15,000 g / mol ｗ The curable organopolysiloxane foam-forming composition according to claim 14, having a PDI of less than 1.

2.

16. The curable organopolysiloxane foam-forming composition according to claim 1, wherein the particles have an average particle diameter of about 0.01 μm to about 100 μm.

17. The curable organopolysiloxane foam-forming composition according to claim 1, wherein the particles contain about 0.01% to about 20% by weight of the platinum group catalyst.

18. The curable organopolysiloxane foam-forming composition according to claim 1, wherein the curable organopolysiloxane foam-forming composition is a one-part curable organopolysiloxane foam-forming composition.

19. The curable organopolysiloxane foam-forming composition according to claim 1, wherein the curable organopolysiloxane foam-forming composition is a two-part curable organopolysiloxane foam-forming composition.

20. The curable organopolysiloxane foam-forming composition according to claim 1, wherein the curable organopolysiloxane foam-forming composition is a homogeneous composition.

21. The molecular weight-controlled thermoplastic polymer has a T of 30°C to 120°C ｇ The curable organopolysiloxane foam-forming composition according to claim 1, which has a softening temperature or a softening temperature range.

22. A method or production of an organopolysiloxane foam, comprising: a) providing a curable organopolysiloxane foam-forming composition according to any one of claims 1 to 21; b) heating the curable organopolysiloxane foam-forming composition to a temperature effective to soften or melt the thermoplastic polymer and release the platinum group catalyst, thereby promoting a reaction to produce an organopolysiloxane foam.

23. The method according to claim 22, wherein the temperature effective to soften or melt the thermoplastic polymer is about 30°C to about 150°C.

24. The method according to claim 22, wherein the curing of the curable organopolysiloxane foam-forming composition occurs during a period of more than 0 minutes to 144 hours.

Images