Novel biodegradable and / or biobased silicones were synthesised by introducing organic molecules into conventional silicone networks. For biobased polymers, biomolecules derived from oleo chemistry were used. Biodegradability is achieved by hetero atoms or functional groups, e.g. ester groups, that provide “points to attack” and can thus be cleaved by microorganisms or enzymes. Typical properties like biologically inertness can be overcome with these novel silicones. Whereas the modified polymers are stable as long as suitable cleaving agents such as enzymes are absent, the biodegradation can be initiated by adding them. This leads to a “triggered” biodegradability which may yield fragments that can be re-used for silicone syntheses.

The three-dimensional network is built up by a silicone backbone, and organic molecules are introduced into network arches, yielding the biobased and / or biodegradable silicone. Analogous to conventional silicone chemistry, a hydrosilylation reaction between Si-H functionalized siloxanes and vinyl terminated organic precursor is used. Biodegradation tests show significant mass losses within 4 months. Additionally, the formation of oily liquid products was observed. The biodegradation products were analysed via spectroscopy, thermal analysis and gas chromatography coupled with mass spectroscopy.