| abstract |
This invention describes a method of producing a silicone elastomer from an emulsion. When the ingredients are mixed together, the resulting latex can be used immediately. Removing the water from the latex results in a silicone elastomer. The method combines (A) an anionically stabilized, hydroxyl endblocked polydiorganosiloxane, present as an emulsion of dispersed particles in water, the emulsion having a pH of greater than 9, (B) dialkyltindicarboxylate, (C) alkylorthosilicate, (D) colloidal silica, and optionally (E) water, admixing (A) and (B) only in the presence of (C) to produce a dispersion of the ingredients in water. The ingredients can be distributed into a two-part system for storage. One embodiment includes fibers, lauryl alcohol, or a mixture of both in the emulsion; then forms an open-cell, elastomeric foam by forming a froth from the emulsion and removing the water from the froth. |