3 The chemistry and physical properties of biomedical silicones

Abstract:Silicone polymers are used in a variety of biomaterials applications. This chapter reviews the chemical composition of silicones, and their structure as polymers based on a repeating dimethylsiloxane unit, then describes the production of silicones using the Rochow–Müller or Direct Process. The chemical structure of silicones is discussed, highlighting how this affects the physical properties of silicones and their uses. The formation …