Silicone

A Silicone is a polymer of Siloxane, a organic compound in the form of (−O−R2Si−O−SiR2−, where R = organic group). A common form is (Si(CH3)2O)n, where the organic group is CH3.

Silicone synthesis

Silicone can be produced from chloromethane, with salt (NaCl) , a copper catalyst, a reactor vessel and 300°C temperature over a silicon bed.

• Silicon is an element that can be refined from silica. silicon production will be required for semi conductor production and possible solar cells.

• Chloromethane is produced commercially by treating methanol with hydrochloric acid (hydrogen chloride solution in water), according to the chemical equation:

  CH3OH + HCl → CH3Cl + H2O

• Methanol will be one of the first compounds produced on Mars.

• Hydrochloic acid is hydrogen chloride in water. Hydrogen chloride is Hydrogen burned with chlorine, although other productions paths may be easier.

• Chlorine is a possibe byproduct of the production of caustic soda, or could be obtained from perchlorates.
  • Chlorine will be produced as it is required to make PVC and caustic soda.
  • Chlorine would be produced by the electrolysis of sodium chloride (that also gives the caustic soda).
  • Sodium chloride is available on Mars (ref).