Nonflammable Cold-Curing Composites.

A block spatially cross-linked silicon-oxide copolymer and silicon oxide modified with methyl groups were synthesized catalytically at room temperature using oligomeric methylmethoxysiloxane and zirconium oxychloride (ZOC) octahydrate. The mechanism of curing of siloxane is considered. The thermal stability of compositions containing 5, 10, and 15 wt % of ZOC, which is 450–500°C, was found. Composites reinforced with various fabrics were obtained, and their bending strength was measured. The composition of gaseous products released from the cured composites at 50–700°C was found. The moisture and water resistance of the reinforced composites were tested, and it was shown that there is no change in mass of the samples during soaking in water. The survivability of compositions is considered. Measurements of the oxygen index of the cured polymer showed that spontaneous combustion is not maintained in pure oxygen. There is no improvement in the deformation of binders based on the hybrid polymer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]