Alkoxysilane

Description

A general name for chemically reactive Silane compounds. Alkoxysilanes were introduced in the 1980s as sealers and consolidants for Concrete and sandstones. The silane solution penetrates well into the pores of the stone and deposits a nonlinear glasslike matrix of silicon dioxide. Examples of alkoxysilanes are polydimethylloxysiloxane (often used in sol gels), methyltrimethoxysilane, alkytrialkoxysilane, and tetraethoxysilane. They are used alone or in combination with acrylic resins.

Synonyms and Related Terms

polyalkoxysilane; polysillicate; ConservareOH [Prosoco]

Risks

Evolves methane during cure.

Physical and Chemical Properties

Hydrolysis is catalyzed by either an acid (hydrochloric acid, acetic acid, or nitric acid) or base (ammonia, ammonium carbonate, triethanolamine, calcium hydroxide, magnesium oxide, etc.)

Resources and Citations

• Gerald Larson, 'An Introduction to Oganosilicon Chemistry', Petrarch Systems, Bristol PA.

• Marie Svoboda, Conservation Survey Index, unpublished, 1997

• Thomas C. Jester (ed.), Twentieth-Century Building Materials, McGraw-Hill Companies, Washington DC, 1995

• George Wheeler paper at www.b72.com/objects/stone/consolidants.html (accessed Aug. 1998)