N-Octadecyltrichlorosilane (O9750) is used to create single and two-component gradient monolayers on silicon surfaces

Research conducted by Brandon D. Booth and associates at Vanderbilt University (B.D. Booth, et al., Tribological characterization of gradient monolayer films from trichlorosilanes in silicon, Colloids Surf. A: Physicochem. Eng. Aspects (2012)) recently published that n-octadecyltrichlorosilane from UCT Specialties (United Chemical Technologies) was used to create single and two-component gradient monolayers on silicon surfaces. Both of these techniques impart stronger tribological qualities to the surface.  In fact, the two-component gradient monolayer provides a more robust tribological interface demonstrated by increased stability in gradient frictional performance for at least 5 hours of continuous sliding.

UCT Specialties (Petrarch) continues to manufacture high quality specialty silanes, silicones, catalysts and coatings for a vast variety of manufacturing markets.  Coupled with our excellence in the Solid Phase Extraction chromatography markets, this demonstrates UCT Inc. as a leader for your silicon related chemistry products.

UCT Silanes in Microfluidics

UCT is known around the world for its involvement in the specialty silicon manufacturing market as well as a leader in the supply of Solid Phase Extraction (SPE) products for Forensic, Clinical and Environmental laboratories.  As a continuing demonstration of our leadership in the specialty silane arena, products from UCT Specialities are being used to advance the area of Microfluidics and Bio-sensors.

In a recent paper by Dr. Jo Kyoo and associates (Analyst 137, 875-882 (2012)), Tridecafluoro-1,1,2,2-tetrahydroctyl-1-trichlorosilane (UCT Part Number T2492) was used in microfluidic traveling-wave electrophoresis (TWE) as a way to separate several dyestuffs. In this report, T2492 was used as part of the process to produce microfluidic channels.  Without efficient microfluidic channelling, the separation process in the electrophoresis would itself be inefficient.  UCT Specialties continues to manufacture high quality specialty silanes, silicones, catalysts and coatings for a vast variety of manufacturing markets.  Coupled with our excellence in the Solid Phase Extraction markets, this demonstrates UCT Inc. as a leader for your silicon related chemistry products.

UCT Specialties chemicals, 3 diverse uses

UCT manufactures an extensive line of silanes, fluid and reactive silicones, homogeneous platinum catalysts and inhibitors for a wide variety of applications. This month we will highlight three diverse areas for these materials by citing recent patents and patent applications. In US Patent 7,953,311, Julian Mullany et al describes the use of a silicone gel sealant for fiber optic communications cable enclosure assemblies. Here is an excerpt from the patent; “Because curing is generally involved in the preparation of these gels, they are sometimes referred to as thermosetting gels. The gel may be a silicone gel produced from a mixture of divinyl terminated polydimethylsiloxane, tetrakis (dimethylsiloxy)silane, a platinum divinyltetramethyldisiloxane complex, commercially available from UCT, Inc. of Bristol, Pa., polydimethylsiloxane, and 1,3,5,7-tetravinyltetra-methylcyclotetrasiloxane (reaction inhibitor for providing adequate pot life).” Please note that we also offer PS200, a silane based coating, for optical fibers that provides lubricity and reduces breakage during fabrication and subsequent flexing. Thomas Whitesides et al, US Patent Application 20110284808, describes the use of a polymerizable silane, 3-(N-styrylmethyl-2- aminoethylamino) propyltrimethoxysilane, (S1590) in preparing particles for use in electrophoretic displays. S1590 is used to functionalize the surface of a pigment by forming a covalent bond with the pigment, through the hydrolyzable trimethoxy groups thereby adding a styrenic double bond to its surface. This double bond is then free to undergo free radical polymerization with other materials, like acrylates and methacrylates, to form grafted structures. Silicones are often used to fabricate microfluidic devices. In US Patent Application 20120003755 Stephen Chapin et al describes techniques for high precision scanning of hydrogel microparticles. The microfluidic apparatus is fabricated on a silicon wafer using soft lithography and addition cured polydimethylsiloxanes. Master molds were prepared by spin-coating with a negative photoresist and developed using standard procedures. The wafers were then treated with T2492, (tridecafluoro-1,1,2,2-tetrahydrooctyl)-1-trichlorosilane, to impart a teflon-like surface to the uncoated areas to facilitate further fabrication of the device.

Did you know...

that UCT SPECIALTIES manufactures silanes, silicones and platinum catalysts to the high standards your products deserve. We take the extra steps to insure that our products are the highest purity available at competitive prices and support this with exceptional customer service and on time delivery.