Silicone Resins

Abstract

The silicon element was first studied in 1824 by Berzelius and later by Friedel and Krafts. The first systematic investigation of silicon and silicones was carried out by Kipping between 1899 and 1944. The first commercial silicone products were made in the USA in the early 1940s. Since 1950 silicones have increased substantially in economic importance and have been used in many specific applications. At present there are twelve silicone producers in the Western world: four in the USA, five in Europe (four of these in Germany), and three in Japan. Only eight of the twelve can be considered as important silicone producers. A further concentration of the market is apparent. In 1987 the silicone market amounted to US$3.5 billion worldwide, and US$850 million in Europe alone. Silicone resins, including silanes and masonry water-repellents, represent about 10 percent and paint resins about 3 percent of the total figures.