Methylsilicic acid (HC-QM6094)

I. Chemical properties and structural analysis of methylsilicic acid

   Methylsilicic acid (Methylsilicic acid), also known as methyl material (one-methyl silicone resin), is refined from one-methyl trichlorosilane by hydrolysis, washing and centrifugal dehydration. It has good hydrophobic property. The product is a white powdery solid with general acidity <1% and moisture <40%.

   As an organosilicon compound with silicon as the skeleton and containing methyl (CH3) and hydroxyl (OH) groups, it has received more and more attention in recent years. It possesses both the stability of inorganic silicone compounds and the reactivity of organic compounds, which makes it show unique application potential in many fields. In this paper, we will discuss the structural properties, synthesis methods, and properties of methylsilicic acid, as well as its wide applications in building materials, cosmetics, biomedicine, and other emerging fields, and look forward to its future development direction.

   Its chemical formula can be expressed as CH₃-Si(OH)₃, which belongs to an important branch of organosilicic acid. Compared with traditional inorganic silicic acid (H₄SiO₄), its unique methyl functional group confers the following properties:

Hydrophobicity and lipophilicity: the methyl group reduces the surface energy (about 25 mN/m), making it easy to form hydrophobic films;

Thermal stability: Decomposition temperature up to 250°C or more (TGA data);

Reactivity: Hydroxyl group (-OH) can participate in the condensation reaction to form a three-dimensional network structure.

Synthesis Path:

Direct synthesis: Methyltrichlorosilane (CH₃SiCl₃) is hydrolyzed to produce methylsilicic acid:

CH₃SiCl₃ + 3H₂O → CH₃Si(OH)₃ + 3HCl

CH₃SiCl₃ + 3H₂O → CH₃Si(OH)₃ + 3HCl

Sol-gel method: controlled preparation of methylsilicate nanoparticles by controlling pH (2-4) and temperature (60-80°C).

II. Technical indicators:

III. Core application areas of methylsilicic acid

1. Building materials: long-lasting waterproofing and stain-resistant coatings

Methylsilicic acid is widely used as a surface treatment agent for construction materials, which can improve the waterproof, weatherproof and stain resistance of concrete, masonry, stone and other materials. It can penetrate into the pores of the material and react with the hydroxyl groups in the material to form a dense protective layer. In addition, methyl silicic acid can be used as an additive for cement-based materials to improve their early strength and durability.

Waterproofing mechanism: Methyl silicate reacts with Ca(OH)₂ in concrete to generate hydrophobic calcium silicate network:

CH₃Si(OH)₃ + Ca(OH)₂ → CH₃Si-O-Ca-O- + 3H₂O

CH₃Si(OH)₃ + Ca(OH)₂ → CH₃Si-O-Ca-O- + 3H₂O

Case in point:

BASF MasterSeal 9100, Germany: Penetrating water repellent, used in cross-sea bridges, chlorine ion permeability reduced by 90%;

Repair project of Three Gorges Dam in China: repair of cracks with methyl silicate-based material, compressive strength restored to 45 MPa.

2. Electronic Materials: Dielectric Layers and Packaging Protection

Methylsilicate can be used as a passivation and insulating layer in semiconductor devices to improve device reliability and performance. It can also be used to prepare low dielectric constant materials to increase transmission speed and reduce power consumption in electronic devices.

Application Advantage:

The dielectric constant (k=2.8) is lower than that of conventional SiO₂ (k=3.9), reducing signal loss;

Moisture resistance (contact angle 110°) prevents oxidation of circuits.

Case in point:

Intel's 14nm process: 18% lower chip power consumption with methylsilicate-derived materials as interlayer dielectrics (ILDs);

Samsung Flexible OLED Screen: Methylsilicate Coating Enables Bending Life to Surpass 200,000 Times (IPC-6013 Standard)

3. Cosmetics: film-forming agents and skin-feel modification

In cosmetics, methylsilicic acid is used as a moisturizer, film-forming agent and thickener. It can form a breathable and good protective film to prevent water loss from the skin and keep the skin moisturized. It also improves the spreadability and stability of cosmetics. Some studies have shown that methylsilicic acid can also promote the synthesis of collagen in the skin and has anti-aging effects.

Technical Highlights:

Forms hydrogen bonds with keratin to enhance the holding power of skincare products (holds makeup for up to 12 hours);

Gas permeability is superior to conventional silicone oils (water vapor transmission rate ≥ 300g/m²-24h).

Case in point:

A brand of foundation: Methylsilicate derivatives are added to realize the effect of "anti-sweat and non-muffling acne";

A brand essence: utilizing methylsilicate microencapsulation slow-release technology, the active ingredient transdermal rate is increased by 3 times.

4. Environmental materials: heavy metal adsorption and pollution control

Functional mechanisms:

Surface hydroxyl groups react with heavy metal ions (e.g. Pb²⁺, Cd²⁺) in a coordination reaction with an adsorption capacity of 120 mg/g;

The three-dimensional network structure can be loaded with photocatalytic materials (e.g. TiO₂) to degrade organic pollutants.

Case in point:

Toray MSC-200: Methylsilicate-modified activated carbon for industrial wastewater treatment with 99.7% lead removal;

Research team from Tsinghua University: Developed methylsilicate/graphene oxide composite material to achieve PM2.5 filtration efficiency of 98.5% (EN 149 standard).

IV.The future development trend of methylsilicic acid: oriented to high performance and sustainability

With the continuous progress of science and technology, the application fields of methyl silicic acid will continue to expand, and its development trend is mainly reflected in the following aspects:

High-performance: Research and development of methylsilicic acid products with higher purity, higher reactivity and higher stability to meet the needs of high-end applications.

Functionalization: By introducing different functional groups, give methyl silicic acid richer functions, such as electrical conductivity, optical activity and biocompatibility, to expand its application in the field of smart materials and biomedicine.

Composite: Composite methyl silicic acid with other materials to prepare composite materials with synergistic effect and improve its comprehensive performance. For example, composites of methyl silicic acid and nanomaterials can be prepared with high strength, high toughness and high wear resistance.

Greening: Develop more environmentally friendly and sustainable methods of preparing methylsilicic acid to reduce the impact on the environment. For example, utilizing biomass feedstock or using more environmentally friendly solvents.

Customization: Customize the design and preparation of methylsilicate products with specific structures and properties to meet individual needs according to different applications.

V. Challenges and future trends

Environmentally friendly synthesis process:

Development of solvent-free green synthesis methods (e.g., supercritical CO₂-mediated reactions) to reduce HCl by-production;

Functionalized modification:

Introduction of functional groups such as amino and epoxy groups (e.g., CH₃Si(OH)₂-NH₂) to expand biocompatible applications;

Intelligent Applications:

Light/heat responsive methylsilicate materials (e.g., azobenzene modifiers) for adaptive coatings.

Ⅵ. Concluding remarks

Methylsilicate, with its unique "organic-inorganic hybridization" characteristics, is penetrating from the traditional building materials field to the field of high-precision science and technology. From the trillion-dollar electronics industry to the life and health field, its infinite possibilities of molecular design will continue to promote the revolution of material science. In the future, with the integration of green chemistry and nanotechnology, methylsilicate may become the core hub of interdisciplinary innovation.

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