BSc Chemistry, University of Leeds
MSc Analytical Chemistry, University of Huddersfield
Current- 2nd year PhD Novel inorganic binders, University of Manchester

Solutions of alkylalkoxysilanes and alkoxysilanes can be used as binders in the paint industry as the Si-OR functionality can be hydrolysed to give a silanol group (Si-OH) which will then rapidly undergo condensation to form a Si-O-Si scaffold. This process can be used in one pack binders as following evaporation of the solvent, atmospheric moisture causes hydrolysis that is followed by condensation to give the desired network.

Molecules such as the one shown below are currently being investigated: