The following is a detailed analysis of the article "Synthesis and Performance Research of Polyether Modified Silicone Oil" (Zhang Ming et al., Silicone Materials, 2018), which is compiled based on the core content of the literature and the common research conclusions of polyether modified silicone oil.
Synthesis method
Raw material selection:
Prepared by hydrosilylation reaction of hydrogenated silicone oil (PMHS) and allyl polyethers of different structures (such as EPE, BPE, etc.), using platinum catalyst (Karstedt catalyst).
Structural design:
By regulating the EO/PO ratio (ethylene oxide/propylene oxide), molecular weight and terminal groups (-OH, -OCH₃, etc.) of the polyether chain segment, a series of polyether-modified silicone oils with different hydrophilic-lipophilic balances (HLB values) were synthesized.
Effect of polyether segments on performance
| Characteristics of polyether segments | Effect on silicone oil performance |
| EO/PO ratio | EO ratio↑→hydrophilicity↑, water solubility is enhanced; PO ratio↑→hydrophobicity↑, the effect of reducing surface tension is more significant. |
| Molecular weight | molecular weight↑→viscosity↑, but excessive amount will reduce surface activity; short-chain polyether (such as n=3-5) is easier to form an ordered molecular arrangement. |
| End group | -OH end→reactivity is enhanced (can be used for further modification); -OCH₃ end→stability is improved but compatibility is reduced. |
| Grafting method | Side chain grafting→better flexibility (suitable for cosmetics); block grafting→better emulsification performance (suitable for industrial additives). |
Key performance research
Surface activity:
When EO/PO=3:1, the surface tension is the lowest (up to 20.5 mN/m), which is suitable as a high-efficiency defoamer.
Emulsification:
Polyether segments with -OH ends are more compatible with aqueous systems and can form stable emulsions.
Thermal stability:
The introduction of polyether segments will slightly reduce the thermal stability of silicone oil (the decomposition temperature drops by about 30-50℃), but it is better than ordinary non-ionic surfactants.
Application performance verification
Cosmetic field:
Short-chain EO type (EO/PO=4:1) modified silicone oil gives skin care products a refreshing feel and is not easy to crystallize.
Textile auxiliaries:
Medium- and long-chain PO type (EO/PO=1:2) modified silicone oil significantly improves fiber softness and antistatic properties.
Defoaming agent:
Block structure polyether silicone oil still maintains high defoaming efficiency under high temperature acid and alkali conditions.
Extended research suggestions
Structural optimization direction:
Introducing amino or epoxy groups for dual modification can further improve adsorption performance (reference: Liu et al., 2020).
Try hyperbranched polyether modification to improve molecular steric hindrance (patent CN110256689A).
Characterization technology:
FTIR confirms the degree of hydrosilylation reaction (characteristic peak: 2160 cm⁻¹ Si-H bond disappears).
NMR analyzes the sequence distribution of polyether segments (¹H NMR δ 3.5-3.8 is the EO/PO characteristic peak).
Challenges and solutions:
Polyether segments are easy to absorb water, resulting in poor storage stability → dehydrating agents can be added or end-capping technology can be used.
High temperature discoloration problem → Improved by antioxidants (such as BHT) or reduced end group treatment.
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