Glass‐Catalyzed hydrolysis of silane coupling agents

Silane coupling agents containing organo‐functional and alkoxy groups are applied to glass fiber reinforcements from an acid solution commercially. It is found that finely divided soda glass suspended in a methanol‐water solution of various silanes promotes hydrolysis without the presence of an acid catalyst. When acid is present in addition to the glass, as in commercial application baths, rate of hydrolysis is lower than with either acid or glass alone. There is evidence that basic glass components catalyze hydrolysis. Further work under commercial application conditions is indicated.