Silicone and Polymerized Siloxanes

[togwt]

[The word "silicone" is derived from ketone; Dimethylsilicone and dimethyl ketone (a.k.a. acetone) have analogous formulas. Silicone is a polymer that includes silicon together with carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, and sometimes other chemical elements. Often mistakenly referred to as silicon, although silicones contain silicon atoms, they are not made up exclusively of silicon, and have completely different physical characteristics from elemental silicon. [1]



His research formed the basis for the worldwide development of the synthetic rubber and silicone-based lubricant industries. He also co-wrote, with Perkin, a standard textbook on organic chemistry.



Silicone (polymerized siloxanes or polysiloxanes) are polymers that include silicon together with carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, and sometimes other chemical elements and are one of the most misunderstood chemicals used in the detailing industry, if you consider something like 80% of detailing products use this polymer in one way or another, and thanks to many years of negative marketing it still remains a mystery to many



Polymers are chemically and thermally inert and available as organic or synthetic polymers, that can be either oil or water-based, some are silicon-based and some don’t contain the element silicone. Applications for polymers span virtually every industry in thousands of applications, which include adhesion, sealing, paint and metal protection, and everything else from integrated circuits to radar defence masking.



Silicone is a polymer it’s just one of many types of polymer (there are more than 20,000). Silicones are inert, synthetic compounds, with both a low chemical reactivity and low toxicity. Typically heat-resistant, it exhibit good electrical insulation it can be formulated to be electrically insulative or conductive, it is thermally stable (from −100 to 250. °C) Although not a hydrophobe, it has the ability to repel water and form watertight seals. It exhibits an excellent resistance to oxygen, ozone and UV-B radiation



Not all polymers are; nor do they all contain the element silicone (i.e. Zanio is a popular Siloxane, water-based amino-functional resin a silicone-free polymer sealant)



Automotive body manufacturing plants and paint shops avoid silicones, as they may cause ‘fish eyes’, small, circular craters in the paint finish



Polymers are used for different reasons they all have differing characteristics, i.e. as a paint sealant that contains four different polymers; two are used for durability, one to make the product easy to remove and one to give a great shine.



Silicone Polymer technology



a) Siloxane (R2SiO) or Polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) - is one of several types of silicone (polymerized siloxane) it’s a water-based amino-functional resin, although it contains silicon atoms, they are not made up exclusively of silicon, and have completely different physical characteristics from elemental silicon.



b) Silicone or Dimethalsiloxane (DMS) - is usually a petroleum distillate, (PD) solvent-based silicone, which after polymerization (cross-linking) will present an external hydrophobic surface. These penetrating-type, durable silicones oils form a flexible protective shield that prevents penetration of moisture and dirt.



c) Silicone (Ph2SiO) – - are polymers that include silicon together with carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, and sometimes other chemical elements. Some common forms include silicone oil, silicone grease, silicone rubber, and silicone resin

Most often just a misspelling, as opposed to being confused with Silicone



d) Silicon (SiO2) - is a metalloid chemical element (silicon dioxide) a polymer, which is also used as a female body enhancement; the name also refers to the semi-conductor industries of Silicon Valley, CA. Although silicones contain silicon atoms, they are not made up exclusively of silicon, and have completely different physical characteristics from elemental silicon.





Protection Water- based vs. Solvent-based



The difference between water and solvent based is in the carrier system used. Solvent based products use a hydrocarbon silicone to suspend the product. When you apply it, the solvent evaporates leaving the dressing`s active ingredients (silicone oil) behind; this type of silicone leaves a high gloss shine and will repel water longer but it is non-biodegradable. Most high gloss products are based upon (DMS) solvents. Water-based dressings (usually a milky-white liquid) use a combination of natural oils and polymers to offer a non-greasy, satin finish



Water- based dressings



Pros - fast drying, non greasy, non slick finish, matte sheen



Cons- limited durability when exposed to the elements, potential for streaking in rain





For vehicles fitted with ceramic brakes and / or pads; products that contain DMS solvents are not recommended as it can contaminate the pads and render them ineffective



Silicone [: more precisely called polymerized siloxanes or polysiloxanes, silicones are mixed inorganic-organic polymers with the chemical formula [R2SiO] n] [1]



Polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) belong to a group of polymeric organ silicon compounds, which are commonly referred to as silicones.] CAS number - 63148-62-9



a) Water-based silicone dressings - usually a milky-white liquid that don’t contain petroleum distillate solvents that can harm rubber and/or vinyl over time; water-based dressings use a combination of natural oils and polymers that coat and bond to offer a non-greasy, satin finish



(Zaino Z-16 Perfect Tyre Gloss or Swisswax Pneu) Some of these products also contain ultra violet radiation (UVR) blocking agents to help keep tyres from cracking, fading and hardening. Most, if not all water-based dressings are biodegradable whereas solvent- based silicone is not.



b) Solvent-based silicone dressings - usually a clear greasy liquid, Dimethalsiloxane (DMS) (paraffinic hydrocarbons) that contain petroleum solvents as a cleaning agent. These penetrating-type silicone oils form a flexible protective shield that prevents penetration of moisture and dirt. Most silicone dressings, although very durable, leave a never-dry high gloss film, they remove the elasticity from vinyl, rubber and paint; causing them to evaporate out of the substrate, leaving behind a dry inflexible surface.



Most high gloss products are based upon DMS silicone oil, the difference between water and solvent based is in the carrier system used. Solvent based products use a hydrocarbon silicone to suspend the product. When you apply it, the solvent evaporates leaving the dressing`s active ingredients (Silicone oil) behind; solvent-based silicone is not environmentally friendly / biodegradable



When a solvent-based tyre dressing combines with carbon black it forms a liquid that when slung on the plastic body parts of a lighter colour will irreparably stain the paint



Many tyre manufacturers (BF Goodrich, Goodyear, Michelin, Pirelli, etc) have issued technical service bulletins advising against the use of tyre dressings containing Dimethalsiloxane (DMS) a petroleum distillate solvent. This type of solvent will dissolve away the protective waxes and can actually aggressively compromise the sidewall. In the event of warranty sidewall failure, one of the first things tyre manufacturers look for is evidence of the use of these types of products. When found, this is often the cause for not warranting the tyre’s sidewall failure.



The big three auto companies (Ford, General Motors and Chrysler) have issued advisories or technical bulletins to their dealers to not use heavy petroleum distillate-dimethal silicone oil dressings for another reason; paint and wheel surface staining. Auto companies have found that it is next to impossible to remove the stains, In some cases, even repainting the part doesn’t` t work as the stain comes back through the new paint, requiring the part to be replaced. Most factory styled wheels are coated with a clear coat type of coating. Some are more porous than others and use of an incorrect dressing may stain them the same as the body parts.

Silicone Removal



Cause - There are lots of silicon oils on the market. The properties that make silicon so popular with car detailers, and some auto manufacturers, also make it a very difficult product for the polisher to remove. During polishing, the silicon mixes with the excess paint that is being removed from the surface to form a smear.



[Can you remove silicon from a clear coat completely? It is impossible to remove silicon from a painted surface without using a chemical process so aggressive that it dissolves the paint. Wax and grease removers will chemically remove one layer of silicon off at a time but are unable to completely remove all the silicon. Tests by Dr Michael Hauber at Menzerna using a spectroscope showed the layers become thinner but the silicon remains. Removing silicon completely can take place over time and involves a lengthy process of oxygen, chemicals, time and sunlight.] Menzerna



Preparation- If the car has been treated with silicon, use a wax and grease remover to remove as much of the silicon as possible before polishing. You will not be able to remove it all but it helps.



When a silicon-free polish works on the surface of paint it uses aluminium oxide spheres, suspended in water and hydrocarbons and a mechanical process to abrade the surface of the paint down to the level of the bottom of the scratch. Silicon cannot be removed this way. Silicon is removed by a chemical means and is designed to resist being removed by mechanical means. Instead the silicon mixes with the blend of paint dust and polish powder and it creates a smear on the paint.



We should differentiate between swirl marks in the silicon layer and swirl marks in the paint underneath. Some polishes may appear to remove the swirl marks in the paint but are really only working on the layer of silicon. So the swirl marks in the paint itself remain unaffected by the polishing and reappear after a few weeks, as the silicon is being removed by time.

Removing Silicone - polishing is a mechanical process; silicon is a product that has been designed not to be removed by mechanical abrasion. When using Menzerna to polish surfaces which have been previously treated with silicon, a smear may result. It is important to understand why this occurs.



Hi-Temp`s Prep Wash is a water-based paint and pad cleaner designed to remove all traces of silicone, which accumulate in crevices, around handles, wiper arms, on trim, luggage racks and aerodynamics. Prep Wash flows into these hard-to-reach areas and dissolves the build-up. Prep Wash also cleans polishing pads; spray your pads with the product and watch it dissolve the build-up.



Use to cleanse the finish before painting, and you can use it after buffing or levelling applications. It prepares the surface for the proper bonding of waxes, glazes and paint sealants. If this is not done properly, waxes may not bond, which will cause heavy streaking. Prep Wash may be diluted, but is always used sparingly at any strength. Mist a cloth or sponge and wipe over the surface and then wipe dry with a clean towel.



Alternative product –



a) DuPont PrepSol IIâ„¢ or Final-Klean - spray onto a 100% cotton or a micro fibre towel and clean the surface, DuPont now also sells the Sonatra Line, which are essentially wipes/towels, pre-moistened with either Prep-Sol or Final-Klean, ideal for all high tech wiping applications, excellent in use both wet and dry with high absorbent capacity



b) DeBeer 1-951 Silicon Remover

http://www.autopia.org/forum/welcome...l?daysprune=45

[wfedwar]

What is your source for the structure of Zaino polish?

[imported_Larry A]

The first polish with silicone in it was Autobrite in 1947. It contained 2% silicone.

[salty]

Good read.



In my 20+ year detailing career, I have probably used 8oz of solvent dressing. The dealerships and auctions around me, order it by the 5 gallon pail.

[wascallyrabbit]

nice write up. lots of useful info.

i use hi temps grape tire dressing (solvent based). msds doesn`t list Dimethalsiloxane so guess it not in there.

[togwt]

^^^ Be cognizant that it is only hazardous chemicals that need to be listed; there are many other chemicals and perhaps even buffering agents or neutralizers that are non-hazardous and therefore are not required to be included.