Tuning the viscoelasticity of sugar–silicone polymers using caramelization

Abstract

Covalent grafting of sugars onto silicones imparts viscoelasticity via hydrogen-bonding among sugar moieties. Catalyst-free caramelization enables programmed, permanent adjustment of these properties by first reducing the OH content on the sugar moieties, which initially lowers viscosity, followed by oligomerization to form viscoelastic materials.