Catalytic Systems for the Cross-Linking of Organosilicon Polymers

Silicones and silicone rubbers are omnipresent in household and industrial products such as lubricants, coatings, sealants, insulators, medical devices, etc. This plethora of applications arises from their unparalleled properties including hydrophobicity, low surface energy, chemical inertness, extreme temperature stability, elasticity, and biocompatibility. Even though silicones have been known for more than five decades, their chemistry is still far from fully understood. Industrially, the vast majority of processes for their synthesis, transformation, and use are based on rather well established, alas outdated technologies, which are frequently empirical and poorly investigated. This review attempts to summarize the different approaches for the synthesis of silicone rubbers by vulcanization or curing of silicone polymers, the catalysts used, and the corresponding reaction mechanisms. Apart from the well-known methods (radical, hydrosilylation, and metal-based condensation), novel approaches such as organo- and bio-catalysis are also addressed.