Continuous preparation of porous organofunctionalized (Hetero-)polysiloxane spheres

When in contact with water, organoalkoxysilanes and other alkoxy metal compounds react to organofunctionalized polysiloxanes or heteropolysiloxanes. A new method for the continuous preparation of porous organopolysiloxane spheres was developed. Droplets of the precursor mixture are injected into the vertical reactor column. Movement of the gelating droplets is controlled by flow of the aqueous reaction medium. Advantages are adjustable residence time, minimized coalescence and low reactor height. An example shows typical product characteristics like narrow particle size distribution and macroporosity.