Polymerization of siloxanes possible with heat

[kevlar49]

Is it possible to polymerize a decamethylcyclopentasiloxane with just heat? A vendor uses this solvent in conjuction with a SiC paper to polish the inside of a metal bore. We find black particles inside the bore that FTIR revealed were a silicone rubber or more closely related to a silicone sealant. Perhaps can the heat of friction and entrained metal cause polymerization of the siloxane into a silicone?

 

[Demon3]

My best guess (as a PhD chemist) is that the reaction is possible. When you make silicones (PDMS) you get all kinds of things including an equilibrium amount of the cyclic oligomers you described (used in hair conditioner and cosmetics). With heat and a catalyst you could open the rings and make silicone polymer.

Chris DeArmitt - PhD FRSC

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