Reduction of Volatile Organic Compound Emission. I. Synthesis and Characterization of Alkoxy-Modified Silsesquioxane

The preparation and characterization of a class of alkoxy-modified silsesquioxane (AMS) compounds containing less than 5 wt % of latent alcohol is described. The AMS derived from octyl triethoxysilane (OTES) behaves as a shielding agent in silica-filled rubbers while significantly reducing the volatile organic compounds that are released during the manufacture of rubber articles. Analysis of AMS by high pressure liquid chromatography and (29)Si NMR shows that it has a plethora of structures present that can best be described as a highly condensed opened oligomeric, branched arrangement of silsesquioxanes units. This structure is moisture stable, hydrocarbon soluble, and reac tive with silica at compounding temperatures. The AMS has been prepared by acid- or base-catalyzed hydrolysis and condensation in alcohol solution to form a product that often separates from the lower density reaction mixture. The kinetics of the AMS formation was examined and showed two separate rate processes occurring. The co-AMS prepared from OTES and 3-mercaptopropyl trimethoxysilane yielded an effective shielding agent and coupling agent when used in silica-filled vulcanizates. (C) 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 115: 79-90, 2010