What Is Aminosilane?
Aminosilane is a general term referring to silicon compounds with amino groups.
An amino group is a functional group represented by the general formula -NH2, -NHR, -NRR’. In many cases, it is used as a generic term for silane coupling agents with an amino group as a functional group (amino silane coupling agents).
Uses of Aminosilane
Aminosilane compounds are mainly used in semiconductor manufacturing and as silane coupling agents.
1. Semiconductor Manufacturing
Aminosilanes are used in semiconductor manufacturing for the deposition of silicon oxide films using chemical vapor deposition (CVD). Examples of such substances include tris-dimethylaminosilane (3DMAS), diisopropylaminosilane, and bis(tert -butylamino)silane (BTBAS).
2. Amino Silane Coupling Agent
The main applications of amino silane coupling agents are surface treatment agents for glass fibers, resin modifiers, and adhesion aids. In particular, in the surface treatment of glass fibers, there is hardening that improves mechanical strength, heat resistance, water resistance, and electrical properties by chemically bonding glass fibers and resin.
Examples of specific substances include 3-aminopropyltriethoxysilane and N-benzyltrimethylsilylamine.
3. Others
Applications of aminosilanes other than semiconductors and coupling agents include additives and primers for paints, adhesives, and coatings. They are useful as additives to phenolic resin binders and as additives to phenolic, furan, and melamine resins, which are foundry resins.
In the field of synthetic chemistry, it is sometimes used in synthetic materials, as are other organosilicon compounds.
Properties of Aminosilanes
3-Aminopropyltriethoxysilane (CAS No. 919-30-2), a typical aminosilane, has a molecular weight of 221.372, a melting point of -70°C, a boiling point of 119°C, and a liquid appearance at room temperature.
It has a density of 0.964 g/mL and a flash point of 96°C. It is soluble in water, ethanol, and acetone.
Types of Aminosilanes
Aminosilane compounds are mainly sold as R&D reagent products and silane coupling agents.
1. Reagent Products for Research and Development
Many substances are sold as reagent products for R&D, including 3-aminopropyltriethoxysilane and N-benzyltrimethylsilylamine, which are representative substances. They are available in volumes that are easy to handle in the laboratory. Depending on the substance, they are sold in relatively large volumes, such as 100g or 500g, or in smaller volumes, such as 1g or 5g. Normally, they are supposed to be stored in the dark.
2. Silane Coupling Agent
Aminosilane is sold in many products as an industrial silane coupling agent. Various types of packing and capacities are available, including 1 kg, 5 kg, 16 kg, 180 kg, 190 kg, and 950 kg. Typical substances include 3-aminopropyltriethoxysilane, N-(2-aminoethyl)-3-aminopropyltrimethoxysilane, and 3-(N-phenyl)aminopropyltrimethoxysilane.
Other Information on Aminosilanes
Toxicological Information on 3-Aminopropyltrimethoxysilane
3-Aminopropyltriethoxysilane, a typical aminosilane, is a substance that is hazardous to the human body and is classified by the GHS classification as follows
- Acute toxicity (oral): Category 4
- Skin corrosion/irritation: Category 1
- Serious eye damage/eye irritation: Category 1
- Skin sensitization: Category 1
- Specific target organ systemic toxicity (single exposure): Category 3 (airway irritation, anesthetic effect)
- Specific target organ systemic toxicity (repeated exposure): Category 2 (respiratory)
When handling, appropriate local exhaust ventilation and general ventilation should be provided, and personal protective equipment such as protective clothing and protective goggles should be used.