SILANE COUPLING AGENT

A silane coupling agent is a chemical compound that can form a durable bond between organic and inorganic materials. The general formula for a silane coupling agent typically shows the two classes of functionality: hydrolysable group X and an organofunctional group R . Hydrolyzable groups are typically alkoxys, acyloxy, halogen, or amine. Following hydrolysis, a reactive silanol group is formed, which can condense with other silanol groups, for example, those on the surface of siliceous fillers, to form siloxane linkages. Stable condensation products are also formed with other oxides such as those of aluminum, zirconium, tin, titanium, and nickel. Less stable bonds are formed with oxides of boron, iron, and carbon. The R group is a nonhydrolyzable organic radical that may possess the functionality to impart desired characteristics. The final result of reacting an organosilane with a substrate ranges from altering the wetting or adhesion characteristics of the substrate, utilizing the substrate to catalyze chemical transformations at the heterogeneous interface, ordering the interfacial region, and modifying its partition characteristics. Significantly, it includes the ability to affect a covalent bond between organic and inorganic materials.