Dimethyldiethoxysilane becomes key to silicone resin production.

　　Silicone glass resin and high-temperature-resistant silicone mica binder
　　China's development of organosilicon glass resins and high-temperature mica binders was spearheaded by Huo Changshun, Chen Rufeng, and others from the Chenguang Chemical Research Institute under the Ministry of Chemical Industry. In the late 1970s, they successfully pioneered the synthesis of CTS-103 organosilicon resin—commonly known as "organosilicon glass resin"—using a hydrolysis-condensation reaction of methyltriethoxysilane catalyzed by an acidic catalyst. Initially, this resin found applications in advanced paper treatment and as a protective coating for metal surfaces. It also proved highly effective in bonding mica sheets or mica powder. In 1980, Fang Sanhua, Xue Zhiqing, and Li Yansheng at the Shanghai Resin Factory independently developed innovative approaches using solid-state cation exchange resins as temporary acidic catalysts. Specifically, Fang Sanhua employed methyltriethoxysilane exclusively, while Xue Zhiqing and Li Yansheng combined methyltriethoxysilane with small amounts of dimethyldiethoxysilane to synthesize two distinct transparent, wear-resistant silicon resins: SAR-1 and SAR-2. Notably, these resins exhibited exceptional storage stability, thanks to the absence of residual inorganic acids—so much so that no sign of gelation was observed even after one year. Moreover, the introduction of a minor amount of difunctional raw material into SAR-2 resulted in a product that balanced hardness with flexibility, broadening its range of applications. Today, these resins are widely used across various materials, including glass, plastics, and metals. They are particularly well-suited for protecting transparent plastics such as polycarbonate, polystyrene, and polyvinyl chloride, as well as serving as moisture-proof and insulating coatings for electronic components. As a result, large-scale production of these versatile resins has rapidly gained momentum.
　　From 1980 to 1982, Qi Hongqiu, Li Yan, and Cui Zuomin from the Chenguang Chemical Research Institute, and from 1981 to 1983, Xu Zhihong and Xue Zhiqing from the Shanghai Resin Factory, all successfully developed high-temperature-resistant silicone mica binders using monomethyl trichlorosilane as the primary raw material. These products were branded MR-30 and SAR-8, respectively. In addition to the typical properties of conventional silicone products—such as high-temperature resistance, electrical insulation, moisture protection, and water resistance—they also exhibit exceptional bonding strength and excellent flame-retardant performance. These products are primarily used in manufacturing high-temperature-resistant mica boards for household appliances, insulating materials for electron tubes, supporting structures made from high-temperature mica boards, and mica sheets designed for internal insulation in welding machines. Moreover, they can be formulated with various heat-resistant pigments to create smoke-free anti-corrosion coatings. Additionally, these binders serve as key components in producing non-combustible molded composites made from glass fiber laminates combined with silica, or as resins suitable for ceramic molding applications. China boasts abundant mica powder resources, making it an ideal region to develop a comprehensive range of high-temperature-resistant insulating mica board products.
　　The Shanghai Resin Factory’s SAR-8 and SAR-9 utilize a unique process that involves hydrolyzing and alcoholysis of organosilicon monomers, followed by simultaneous concentration and polycondensation. Both SAR-8 and SAR-9 were put into production in 1983, with current output already nearing nearly 1,000 tons. The primary raw material for these products is methyltrichlorosilane, meaning that whether producing MR-30 or SAR-8/SAR-9, the utilization value of methyltrichlorosilane can be significantly enhanced.
　　Silicone Molded Plastics
　　In the 1960s, China's aviation industry was in urgent need of arc-resistant silicone molding compounds—highly durable materials capable of withstanding high currents and voltages—for manufacturing miniature switches. The Beijing Research Institute of Chemical Industry successfully developed a silicon resin directly synthesized via hydrolysis of methyltrichlorosilane, which, when combined with asbestos filler, yielded an arc-resistant molding compound that promptly addressed the industry's critical demand. This material was later transferred to the Shanghai Resin Factory for production. However, due to low demand, the Shanghai Resin Factory eventually ceased manufacturing the product. Yet, users continued to require this specialized material, forcing them to turn to the Chen-guang Chemical Research Institute, which had relocated to Sichuan, for assistance. Recognizing the urgency, researchers including Wu Shengquan at the institute quickly adapted the production process by adopting a hydrolysis-condensation route starting from methyltriethoxysilane, successfully producing a silicone resin that met all performance specifications and immediately relieved the users' pressing needs.
　　Silicone Resin Encapsulant
　　By the late 1960s, with the growth of China's electronics industry, there was a growing need for organosilicon encapsulants—materials that offer excellent electrical insulation, high-temperature resistance, moisture protection, and non-flammability—designed to encase electronic components such as high- and low-power diodes, transistors, resistors, capacitors, and integrated circuits. Among the pioneers in developing these types of resins in China were Zhang Xinghua, He Jigang, and others from the Institute of Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, as well as Zhang Jikai and Li Yansheng from the Shanghai Resin Factory. Their groundbreaking work led to the creation of several products that filled critical domestic gaps in the market.
　　Silicone Resin-Modified Coating
　　Typical silicone resins are mostly composed of polymethylsiloxanes and polysilphenylene oxides. Silicone resins containing phenyl groups exhibit better compatibility with organic resins compared to methylsilicone resins. Incorporating phenyl-containing silicone resins into conventional coatings can significantly enhance their heat resistance, water resistance, and other performance characteristics. In the coatings industry, these phenyl-containing silicone resins can be used to produce high-performance siloxane-based coatings through blending or copolymerization techniques. As early as the 1960s, the Tianjin Paint Factory and the Shanghai Resin Factory successfully developed coatings using organosilicon-modified synthetic resins, leading to the creation of several high-performing varieties—such as organosilicon-modified epoxy resins that offer both excellent heat resistance and outstanding adhesion properties.