Silicon-modified surfactants and wetting: I. Synthesis of the single components of Silwet L77 and their spreading performance on a low-energy solid surface

Defined surfactants of general formula [(CH3)(3)SiO](2)CH3Si(CH2)(3)(OCH2CH 2)(3-9)OCH3, have been synthesized from the corresponding oligoethylene gly col monoallyl monomethyl ethers via hydrosilylation, The concentration-depe ndent spreading performance on hydrophobized silicon wafers has been invest igated and compared with that of Silwet L77, For the hexaethylene glycol de rivative the highest initial spreading velocities and largest spreading are as were found. Since Silwet L77 spreads faster than all the other derivativ es under investigation, a synergistic effect of different compounds is unli kely, Minor differences were found for handshaken and sonicated solutions. Copyright (C) 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.