| abstract |
A simplified method of manufacturing a silicone elastomeric foam comprises mechanically generating a stable froth of an aqueous emulsion, while adding surfactant and thickener, then exposing the stable froth to microwave energy to remove the water. The emulsion consists essentially of anionically stabilized hydroxyl endblocked polydiorganosiloxane, colloidal silica, an organic tin compound, and water, the emulsion having a pH in the range of 9 to 11.5 inclusive. The dried froth is an elastomeric, cellular structure possessing typical silicone elastomer heat stability and long-term aging stability. |