Szilikongyártás

Szilikongyártás refers to the industrial production of silicones. Silicones are synthetic polymers composed of silicon and oxygen, with organic groups attached to the silicon atoms. The primary raw material for silicone production is silicon metal, which is typically produced from silica (sand).

The manufacturing process usually begins with the Rochow-Müller process, also known as the direct process. In this process, methyl chloride gas reacts with silicon powder in the presence of a copper catalyst at elevated temperatures (around 300°C). This reaction produces a mixture of methylchlorosilanes, with dimethyldichlorosilane being the most abundant and important intermediate.

These methylchlorosilanes are then separated and purified through distillation. The purified methylchlorosilanes are subsequently hydrolyzed with water. This hydrolysis step breaks the silicon-chlorine bonds and forms silanol groups (Si-OH). These silanols are unstable and readily undergo condensation reactions, where water molecules are eliminated, forming siloxane bonds (Si-O-Si).

This condensation process leads to the formation of long-chain polymers, which are the basis of silicone fluids, elastomers (rubbers), and resins. The final properties of the silicone product depend on the length of the polymer chains, the types of organic groups attached to the silicon atoms, and the addition of various additives and cross-linking agents during the manufacturing or formulation stages. Silicone production is a complex chemical process requiring careful control of reaction conditions and purification steps.