Thickening silicones with elastomeric silicone polyethers

Low molecular weight siloxane fluids are thickened by silicone elastomers. The silicone elastomers are made by crosslinking reactions of ≡Si-H containing siloxanes and an unsaturated hydrocarbon such as an alpha, omega-diene, in the presence of a low molecular weight siloxane fluid. The ≡SiH siloxane is first partially reacted with a mono-alkenyl functionalized polyether. It is then crosslinked by the alpha, omega-diene, in the presence of the low molecular weight siloxane fluid. An elastomer, i.e. gel, with polyether groups is produced. The elastomer can be swollen with the low molecular weight siloxane fluid under shear force, to provide a uniform silicone paste. The silicone paste has excellent spreadability upon rubbing and possesses unique rheological properties in being thixotropic and shear thinning. The silicone paste can be easily emulsified with water to form a stable uniform emulsion, without using a surfactant to allow normally immiscible materials to become intimately mixed.