Methylpolysilicones (also called dimethylpolysiloxanes) are
high-molecular weight organic compounds of silicon which are
similar in chemical structure to inorganic silicates. They are members
of a large family in which silicon and oxygen atoms form a
siloxy skeleton to which various alkyl and aryl groups are attached
in regular, repetitive fashion. The methylpolysilicones may be
characterized by the following formula:
Si(CH3)3O[Si(CH3)2O] nSi(CH3)3
where "n" can be varied from 0 to 10,000 or higher.
The commercial methylpolysilicones are usually linear polymers,
although cyclic forms may also be utilized.
Methylpolysilicones can be prepared in viscosity grades ranging
from one to several hundred thousand centistokes (cs) depending
on the degree of polymerization. Those employed in food uses
generally have "n" values of 200-400, with molecular weights
usually between 14,000 and 21,000. In this molecular weight
range, methylpolysilicones are clear, colorless, viscous liquids,
which may contain up to 5% silicon dioxide. With higher degrees
of polymerization, resins and rubbers are produced. The methylpolysilicones
are insoluble in water and the lower alcohols, but
soluble in most aliphatic and aromatic hydrocarbon solvents. The
polymers are nonionic, inert compounds strongly resistant to
chemical and thermal attack. They are hydrophobic, greasy, and
markedly antiadhesive.
silica gel as well as emulsifying agents and preservatives. Foodgrade
methylpolysilicones must meet the following specifications:
Refractive index: 1.400 to 1.404.
Specific gravity: 0.964 to 0.973.
Viscosity: 300 to 600 cs.
Loss on heating: Not more than 18%.
Limit of impurities: Arsenic, not more than 3 parts per million
(ppm); heavy metals, not more than 10 ppm (expressed as lead).
The antifoaming and hydrophobic properties of dimethylpolysilicones
are also utilized medically in patients suffering from
excessive gas production or retention such as flatulence, gastric
bloating, or postoperative gaseous distention. They have also been
used to reduce gas shadows in radiography of the bowel and to
improve visualization in gastroscopy. The usual therapeutic adult
dose is 150-400 mg daily. Silicones are also employed to prevent
dermal irritation in bedridden patients. Medical grade preparations
(simethicone) must contain 93-99% dimethylpolysilicone, not
more than 4.5% silicon dioxide, and have a viscosity not less than
300 cs.
Because of their chemical and thermal resistance together with
their antiadhesive and hydrophobic properties, methylpolysilicones
have found various uses in the food industry. They are used
to coat containers and molds for bakery products, candies, and
confections; to impregnate packaging and wrapping paper which
contact foods; and to reduce foaming in various fermentation and
canning processes. Methylpolysilicones at low concentrations
(0.03-0.05 ppm) reduce thermal and oxidative deterioration of frying
fat by forming a protective film at the oil-air interface. At
higher levels (1-10 ppm), silicones added to shortening and other
frying fats may eliminate smoking difficulties by raising the smoke
point 20-30°F. Silicones have also been incorporated into cellulosic
sausage casings to facilitate the casing removal from the
enclosed meat mass.
