The use of long chain diols favors bridging coordination and promotes polymerization to form ionic polymers containing penta-alkoxy silicate centers. These optically transparent polymers are viscous to glassy materials that exhibit ambient ionic conductivity, good thermal stability, and cure to hard solids at less than 200 degrees centigrade. Solvent-free polymer electrolytes have been highly sought after for potential use in various electrochemical applications. In both cases, the necessity of high temperature carbothermal reduction of the silicon prior to functionalization is avoided. The exact composition of the resulting polymers depends on the extent of final distillation, and range from viscous liquids to solids, corresponding to mixtures of mono- and bidentate ligands to fully crosslinked materials.
Applications are wide and varied.
As a fire retardant. Wood which has been impregnated with these polymers does not burn. Polymer viscosity varies with applied current. The Washington Research Foundation is seeking qualified commercial partners capable of developing and commercializing this technology under license.