Synthesis, properties, and application of novel silane-modified polyoxyethylene ether surfactants

Novel silane-modified polyoxyethylene ether surfactants (SMPES) were synthesized to improve the properties of water-based silicone rubber by reacting polyoxyethylene ether, RO(CH2CH2O)(n)H (where R = nonylphenyl or dodecyl and n is 17 or 15), with 3-chloropropylalkoxylsilane, ClCH2CH2CH2SiR1(OR2)(2) or ClCH2CH2CH2Si(OR2)(3) (where R-1 = methyl and R-2 = methyl or ethyl). The structural characteristics of SMPES were indicated by Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, proton nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy, carbon NMR spectroscopy, silicon NMR spectroscopy, and electrospray ionization-mass spectrometry. The properties of SMPES were also investigated. SMPES were found to be good emulsifiers, with a low foaming power and low cloud point. The water-based silicone rubber prepared with SMPES exhibited a shorter tack-free time and resistance to frosting when it contacted water.