Interface:  Emerging Molecular and Atomic Level Techniques for Nanoscale Applications

This overview provides an introduction and comparison of emerging processing technologies that represent the best contenders to satisfy future demands for ultrathin film applications.

Rubber World:  Soft Tissue Compliant Silicones for Medical Devices

ExSil^® silicone nanocomposites exhibit surprising material properties, such as up to 5,000% stretchability with elastic recovery, the ability to resist tear failure (both initiation and propagation), self-healing/sealing behavior and intrinsically low extractables. As a group, these materials demonstrate an ability to resist and recover from conditions that would normally result in the failure of other elastomers.

Synthesis:  Some Aspects of the Chemistry of Alkynylsilanes – Larson

In amongst the considerable chemistry of acetylenes there lies some unique chemistry of alkynylsilanes (silylacetylenes) some of which is reviewed herein. This unique character is exemplified not only in the silyl protection of the terminal C–H of acetylenes, but also in the ability of the silyl group to be converted into other functionalities after reaction of the alkynylsilane and to its ability to dictate and improve the regioselectivity of reactions at the triple bond. This, when combined with the possible subsequent transformations of the silyl group, makes their chemistry highly versatile and useful.

ECS Journal of Solid State Science and Tech:  Silicon Nitride and Silicon Nitride-Rich Thin Film Technologies: Trends in Deposition Techniques and Related Applications – Kaloyeros, Jove, Goff, & Arkles

This article provides an overview of the state-of-the-art chemistry and processing technologies for silicon nitride and silicon nitride- rich films, i.e., silicon nitride with C inclusion, both in hydrogenated (SiN_x:H and SiN_x:H(C)) and non-hydrogenated (SiN_x and SiN_x(C)) forms. The emphasis is on emerging trends and innovations in these SiN_x material system technologies, with focus on Si and N source chemistries and thin film growth processes, including their primary effects on resulting film properties. It also illustrates that SiN_x and its SiN_x(C) derivative are the focus of an ever-growing research and manufacturing interest and that their potential usages are expanding into new technological areas.

Paint & Coatings Industry:  Positive Tactile Interaction Coatings – Arkles & Goff

While the sensory appeal of coatings has always been an important driver of consumer acceptance of devices and appliances, positive tactile interaction properties of coatings are gaining increased attention in an industry that has focused primarily on their optical characteristics. Understanding both the aesthetic and functional significance of these tactile characteristics is therefore an area of opportunity. Click here for more information on reactive siloxanes.

SOFW Journal:  Safe and Persistent Antimicrobial Performance – D.Wagner

While microorganisms are essential and symbiotic, bacteria, fungi and viruses can also cause disease. They can be removed mechanically, thermally, and as this article describes, chemically, with Gelest’s BIOSAFE^® antimicrobial, a condensed polymeric silane quaternary ammonium salt. Independent studies show that hand sanitizer formulas containing the BIOSAFE^® antimicrobial in conjunction with another quaternary ammonium compound meet and exceed U.S. Food & Drug Administration efficacy criteria for hand sanitizer antimicrobial protection.  Click here for more product information on BIOSAFE^®.

Rubber World:  Ultra-high Elongation Silicone Elastomers – Arkles et al.

Silicone elastomers with elongations approaching 5,000%, nearly four times greater than any other commercial elastomer, are now available. These new elastomers utilize a cure mechanism that generates elastomeric properties by driving linear polymers to extremely high molecular weights with concomitant formation of intra- and inter-chain entanglements, rather than covalent crosslinking.  Click here for product information on Gelest ExSil^® 100 (EM2-EX100).

International Fiber Journal:  Gelest Biosafe – Protecting Textiles Safely – Wagner et al.

BIOSAFE^® is a new siliconbased antimicrobial from Gelest, Inc. Its novel activity imparts long lasting bacteriostatic, fungistatic and algistatic properties to substrates, such as textiles, preventing deterioration and discoloration caused by fungi. Furthermore, BIOSAFE^® antimicrobials prevent algae growth and inhibit the growth of odor-causing bacteria.  Click here for more product information on BIOSAFE.

Chimica Oggi/Chemistry Today:  The Synthesis of Gliflozins – Larson

Some of the general approaches to the key steps in the synthesis of gliflozins, a class of glucose transporters, are discussed. In particular the glycosidation step for the introduction of the key aryl moiety onto the glucose and the reduction steps are presented.  Click here for more product information on tetramethyldisiloxane (TMDO, TMDS) reducing agent.

Chimica Oggi/Chemistry Today:  Organosilane Reductions with Polymethylhydrosiloxanes – Larson

The reduction of a comprehensive range of organic functional groups ranging from carboxylic acids to aryl fluorides have been shown to be possible with a variety of organosilanes. A comprehensive review of the ionic and transition metal-catalyzed reductions of organic functional groups has recently appeared.