THERMAL DEGRADATION PROCESSES IN POLYSILOXANES AND THERMAL STABILIZATION BY A CERIUM INHIBITOR,
Abstract
Studies were made of the effect of cerium on the degradation of polyorganosiloxanes (silicones) at 400C in the absence of oxygen. Thermally stressed polydimethylsiloxanes undergo -Si-O bond rupture, initiating anion-propagated degradation to cyclics and linear residues. One-hundred-percent polymethylphenylsiloxanes do not cyclize, but undergo rearrangements leading to crosslinking. In polydimethylsiloxanes, cerium is considered to form active sites which react reversibly with anion fragments, thus limiting further degradation. Cerium has little effect on polymethylphenylsiloxanes, but stabilizes copolymers in direct ratio to the dimethyl content. The excellent response of polydimethyl and lightly phenylated siloxanes to cerium, together with their desirable physical properties, make their use attractive as high-temperature lubricants and hydraulic fluids in selected applications. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Apr 06, 1966
- Accession Number
- AD0633068
Entities
People
- C. M. Murphy
- H. Ravner
- R. E. Kagarise
Organizations
- United States Naval Research Laboratory