Hexadecyltrimethoxysilane is a long-chain alkylsilane that is widely used to impart hydrophobic properties to surfaces and to improve the compatibility of inorganic materials with organic polymers.
1. Key Applications
Surface Modification
Hydrophobic Coatings: Used to modify surfaces (e.g., glass, metals, ceramics) to make them water-repellent.
Anti-Corrosion: Applied to metal surfaces to prevent corrosion by forming a protective hydrophobic layer.
Coupling Agent
Polymer Composites: Acts as a coupling agent in composite materials to improve adhesion between inorganic fillers (e.g., silica, glass fibers) and organic polymers (e.g., rubbers, plastics).
Reinforcement: Enhances the mechanical properties of composites by improving interfacial bonding.
Fillers and Pigments
Surface Treatment of Fillers: Used to treat inorganic fillers (e.g., silica, calcium carbonate) to improve their dispersion and compatibility in polymer matrices.
Pigment Stabilization: Helps stabilize pigments in coatings and inks.
Adhesives and Sealants
Adhesion Promoter: Improves the adhesion of adhesives and sealants to various substrates, including glass, metals, and ceramics.
Coatings and Paints
Water-Repellent Coatings: Incorporated into coatings and paints to provide water resistance and durability.
Anti-Graffiti Coatings: Used in anti-graffiti coatings to make surfaces easier to clean.
Textiles and Leather
Waterproofing Agent: Applied to textiles and leather to impart water-repellent properties.
Construction Materials
Concrete and Mortar Additive: Used to improve the water resistance and durability of concrete and mortar.
Stone Protection: Applied to natural stone surfaces to protect against water absorption and staining.
Electronics and Optics
Optical Coatings: Used in optical coatings to modify surface properties and improve performance.
Electronic Encapsulation: Enhances the moisture resistance of electronic components.
Nanotechnology
Nanoparticle Functionalization: Used to functionalize nanoparticles for improved dispersion and compatibility in various applications.
Research and Development
Material Science: Investigated for use in advanced materials, including self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) and hybrid organic-inorganic materials.
2. Industrial and Commercial Uses
Automotive Industry: Used in coatings, adhesives, and sealants for vehicles.
Construction Industry: Applied in waterproofing and protective coatings for buildings and infrastructure.
Textile Industry: Used to produce water-repellent fabrics.
Electronics Industry: Enhances the performance and durability of electronic components.
3. Handling and Processing
Hydrolysis and Condensation: Hexadecyltrimethoxysilane undergoes hydrolysis in the presence of moisture, forming silanol groups that can condense to create a stable, hydrophobic layer on surfaces.
Application Methods: Can be applied via dipping, spraying, or brushing, depending on the substrate and desired outcome.
4. Environmental and Safety Considerations
Toxicity: Generally low toxicity, but proper handling procedures should be followed to avoid skin and eye contact.
Environmental Impact: Should be used and disposed of in accordance with local regulations to minimize environmental impact.
CHM.11123 - Hexadecyltrimethoxysilane - technical, ≥85% (GC) - CAS: 16415-12-6
1. General Information
-
Chemical Name: Hexadecyltrimethoxysilane
-
CAS Number: 16415-12-6
-
Molecular Formula: C₁₉H₄₂O₃Si
-
Molecular Weight: 346.63 g/mol
-
Appearance: Colorless to pale yellow liquid
-
Purity: ≥85% (technical grade, with impurities typically including other silanes or by-products)
2. Chemical Structure
-
Structure: CH₃(CH₂)₁₅Si(OCH₃)₃
-
Functional Groups:
-
Three methoxy (–OCH₃) groups attached to silicon.
-
A long hydrophobic hexadecyl (C₁₆H₃₃) chain.
-
3. Solubility
-
Organic Solvents: Soluble in common organic solvents such as ethanol, acetone, toluene, and hexane.
-
Water: Insoluble in water but hydrolyzes in the presence of moisture to form silanol groups (–SiOH).
4. Reactivity
-
Hydrolysis: Reacts with water to form silanol groups (–SiOH), which can further condense to form siloxane bonds (–Si–O–Si–).
CH3(CH2)15Si(OCH3)3+3H2O→CH3(CH2)15Si(OH)3+3CH3OHCH3(CH2)15Si(OCH3)3+3H2O→CH3(CH2)15Si(OH)3+3CH3OH -
Condensation: Silanol groups can condense to form crosslinked structures:
CH3(CH2)15Si(OH)3→CH3(CH2)15Si–O–Si+H2OCH3(CH2)15Si(OH)3→CH3(CH2)15Si–O–Si+H2O -
Reactivity with Surfaces: Reacts with hydroxyl (–OH) groups on surfaces (e.g., glass, metals, ceramics) to form stable covalent bonds, imparting hydrophobic properties.
5. Thermal Properties
-
Boiling Point: ~320°C (estimated, may vary with purity).
-
Flash Point: >100°C (flammable liquid).
-
Thermal Stability: Stable under normal conditions but may decompose at high temperatures.
6. Physical Properties
-
Density: ~0.88–0.90 g/cm³ at 25°C.
-
Refractive Index: ~1.42–1.44 (typical for organosilanes).
-
Viscosity: Low to moderate viscosity liquid.
7. Chemical Stability
-
Stability: Stable under dry conditions but hydrolyzes in the presence of moisture.
-
Storage: Should be stored in a cool, dry place in tightly sealed containers to prevent hydrolysis.
8. Functional Properties
-
Hydrophobicity: Imparts water-repellent properties to surfaces due to the long hydrophobic alkyl chain (C₁₆H₃₃).
-
Adhesion Promotion: Improves adhesion between inorganic materials (e.g., glass, metals) and organic polymers (e.g., plastics, rubbers).
-
Surface Modification: Forms self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) on surfaces, altering their wettability and chemical reactivity.
9. Compatibility
-
Inorganic Surfaces: Compatible with glass, metals, ceramics, and other hydroxylated surfaces.
-
Organic Polymers: Compatible with polymers such as polyethylene, polypropylene, and rubbers when used as a coupling agent.
10. Impurities (Technical Grade, ≥85%)
-
Typical Impurities: May include other silanes, by-products of synthesis, or unreacted starting materials.
-
Impact of Impurities: Impurities may affect reactivity, hydrolysis rate, and performance in specific applications.
11. Environmental and Safety Considerations
-
Toxicity: Generally low toxicity, but may cause irritation to skin and eyes. Proper handling (gloves, goggles) is recommended.
-
Flammability: Combustible liquid; keep away from open flames and high temperatures.
-
Environmental Impact: Hydrolysis products (e.g., methanol) should be handled and disposed of according to local regulations.
-