For the Curing and Modification of Silicones

Hydrosilylation Catalysts

One of the most important methods to cure and modify silicone is the hydrosilylation reaction under the use platinum-based catalysts.
During the curing process a vinyl component reacts with a crosslinker with multiple Si-H groups to yield an elastic polymer.
The use of platinum as a homogeneous catalyst facilitates the reaction at a very low platinum loading.

Hydrosilylation Catalysts

Overview of the Most Important Hydrosilylation Catalysts

The well-known Karstedt’s catalyst is the most used hydrosilylation catalyst, as it is highly active, easy to handle and safe to use. The Ashby’s catalyst is more suitable for high temperature curing, commonly used in high temperature extruded silicone systems. The Lamoreaux’ catalyst on the other hand is for example applied for silicone rubbers with improved fire-retardant properties. Lastly there is the hydrosilylation catalyst (MeCp)PtMe3. In contrast to the other three catalysts, it is activated by UV.

Heraeus Precious Metals offers all mentioned hydrosilylation catalysts, with the Karstedt’s catalyst being the most requested and important one.

Karstedt’s Catalysts

Heraeus Precious Metals is a major supplier of Karstedt’s catalysts for the silicones market. Our range of Karstedt’s catalysts provide curing characteristics for every application. The Karstedt’s catalyst can be shipped in various dilutions with solvents to meet customer needs. Heraeus’ catalysts are produced with a narrow variance, which minimizes catalyst waste while delivering constant activity designed for a steady process. The homogeneous Karstedt’s catalysts is typically employed in very low concentrations (30–100ppm) and remains in the silicones. Where homogeneous catalysts are not an option, Heraeus also offers a broad range of suitable heterogeneous catalysts.

Karstedt formula
Karstedt Formula

Advantages of Karstedt’s Catalyst in Hydrosilylation Reactions

  • Fast Reaction
  • Full control of curing process
  • No volatile by-products
  • No shrinkage of the Polymer

 

Advantages of Heraeus´ Karstedt Catalysts

Heraeus offers customized formulations of the Karstedt’s catalyst tailored to the customer needs. Possible modifications include the activity, viscosity, solvent and platinum content. Further information is included in the brochure below.

Brochure: Karstedt’s Catalysts and Their Customization
 

Low Turbidity

Super Cure

Heat Resistant

Advantage Avoid filtration and platinum losses after dilution with silicone polymer Faster curing time at room temperature High resistance to heat and stress
Shelf life Standard shelf life Less shelf life Longer shelf life
Application Example Transparent silicones Dental applications Paper release coating

UV Curing Catalysts

As an alternative to thermal curing, UV curing with a photoactive catalyst can be utilized for the hydrosilylation reaction. This method is especially useful for the crosslinking of thermally sensitive polymers because no additional heat is required. Moreover, the inclusion of heat-sensitive parts such as electronic parts is enabled. Heraeus offers the UV activated catalyst (MeCp)PtMe3. Applications for UV curing are for example adhesives or dental applications. Benefits include improved curing time for liquid silicone elastomers and a more energy-efficient process because no heating ovens are required.

Catalyst Portfolio for Hydrosilylation of Silicones

21 Results

Product Name
PM Range [%]
Details
508405468478-92-2KARSTEDT Concentrate 0,5% (O[Si(CH3)2CH=CH2]2Pt)Pt: 0.40 - 0.60 %SolutionDetails
509251394442-22-5Trimethyl-(methylcyclopentadienyl)­-platin ((MeCp)PtMe3)Pt: %SolidDetails
512559868478-92-2Karstedt Catalyst 0.5% (O[Si(CH3)2CH=CH2]2Pt)Pt: 0.50 %SolutionDetails
512696668585-32-0Ashby's Catalyst (PtC12H24O4Si4)Pt: 1.50 - 2.00 %SolutionDetails
512696968478-92-2Karstedt Catalyst 16-20% ([Pt2(C8H18OSi2)3])Pt: 16.00 - 20.00 %SolutionDetails
512697968478-92-2Karstedt Catalyst 10% ([Pt2(C8H18OSi2)3])Pt: 9.50 - 10.50 %SolutionDetails
512698368478-92-2Karstedt Catalyst 2% ([Pt2(C8H18OSi2)3])Pt: 1.95 - 2.05 %SolutionDetails
512699468478-92-2Karstedt Catalyst in Xylene 2% ([Pt2(C8H18OSi2)3])Pt: 1.95 - 2.05 %SolutionDetails
512699668478-92-2Karstedt Catalyst in Xylene 5% ([Pt2(C8H18OSi2)3])Pt: 4.50 - 5.50 %SolutionDetails
512699868478-92-2Karstedt Catalyst in Xylene 10% ([Pt2(C8H18OSi2)3])Pt: 9.50 - 10.50 %SolutionDetails
512700068478-92-2Karstedt Catalyst in Toluene 5% ([Pt2(C8H18OSi2)3])Pt: 4.80 - 5.20 %SolutionDetails
512700268478-92-2Karstedt Catalyst in Vinyl Pol ([Pt2(C8H18OSi2)3])Pt: 0.45 - 0.56 %SolutionDetails
512700668478-92-2Karstedt Catalyst Andisel 4% ([Pt2(C8H18OSi2)3])Pt: 4.00 %SolutionDetails
512700868478-92-2Karstedt Catalyst Andisel 1% ([Pt2(C8H18OSi2)3])Pt: 1.00 %SolutionDetails
512701768478-92-2Karstedt Catalyst Fast Cure 2% ([Pt2(C8H18OSi2)3])Pt: 2.00 - 2.20 %SolutionDetails
8114722212080-32-9Dichloro(cycloocta-1,5-diene)­platinum(II) (C8H12Cl2Pt)Pt: 51.00 - 53.00 %SolidDetails
8114739068478-92-2KARSTEDT Concentrate 10% (O[Si(CH3)2CH=CH2]2Pt)Pt: 9.50 - 10.50 %SolutionDetails
8114741326023-84-7Chloroplatinic Acid 'CPA' (H2PtCl6 · xH2O)Pt: 39.90 - 40.10 %SolidDetails
8114751968478-92-2KARSTEDT Concentrate 20% (O[Si(CH3)2CH=CH2]2Pt)Pt: 19.00 - 21.50 %SolutionDetails
8114752568478-92-2KARSTEDT Concentrate 2% (O[Si(CH3)2CH=CH2]2Pt)Pt: 1.70 - 2.30 %SolutionDetails
8114752868478-92-2KARSTEDT Concentrate 2% Super Cure (O[Si(CH3)2CH=CH2]2Pt)Pt: 1.70 - 2.30 %SolutionDetails

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