Polysiloxane containing copolymers: A survey of recent developments

The principal focus of this review will be to document and discuss the recent developments in the synthesis, properties and applications of polyorganosiloxane containing block, segmented and graft copolymers and network structures. Special emphasis will be given to the synthesis and characterization of reactive, organofunctionally-terminated siloxane oligomers, which are the key starting materials or intermediates in the preparation of these well-defined copolymers. Use of these functionally terminated oligomers in the modification of network structures will be discussed. Detailed descriptions of the copolymer formation reactions and the effect of reaction variables, such as temperature and solvent, on the properties of the resultant materials will be given. Discussions of the bulk and surface morphology of siloxane containing copolymers and their blends with other polymeric systems will be provided. Potential applications of these novel materials and possible future directions in the chemistry and technology of polyorganosiloxane containing polymeric systems will also be discussed.