Troubleshooting Dissolution of Silicone Film (Powder, Hard Film, Very Long-Wear)

The issue you are experiencing—clumping and a jelly-like consistency—is common when working with Silicone Film (Powder, Hard Film, Very Long-Wear) (Trimethylsiloxysilicate) without heat or high-shear mixing. This resin is a high-molecular-weight solid that requires specific conditions to fully integrate into a solvent.

Why it is not dissolving:

1. Lack of Heat: Without heat, the resin particles do not have enough energy to break their solid bonds and disperse into the silicone molecules.
2. Solvent Viscosity: While it is soluble in Dimethicone (Light/100) and Silicone Shine 15, these are thicker than volatile silicones. Dissolving a resin powder directly into a 100cSt silicone at room temperature is very difficult.
3. Mixing Method: A propeller mixer provides "macro" mixing but often lacks the shear force needed to break down the "jelly" clumps once they have formed.

Recommended Steps for Complete Dissolution:

1. Use Heat (Crucial):
   Heat your solvent blend (or at least the Cyclopentasiloxane part) to 70-80°C. Add the powder slowly while the solvent is hot. Heat significantly reduces the time required for the resin to dissolve and prevents the formation of clumps.

2. Change the Order of Addition:
   Do not mix the powder into the final blend of all silicones. Instead, dissolve the Silicone Film (Powder) into the lightest, most volatile solvent first (such as Cyclopentasiloxane or Isododecane). Once it is completely clear and liquid, then blend in the heavier silicones like Dimethicone (Light/100) and Silicone Shine 15.

3. Consider a Better Solvent:
   If your formulation allows, Isododecane is the most effective solvent for Trimethylsiloxysilicate. It dissolves the powder much faster and more thoroughly than silicone oils.

4. High-Shear Mixing:
   If clumps have already formed, a standard propeller mixer may not be enough. A homogenizer is recommended to break down those jelly-like particles. If you only have a propeller mixer, you must ensure the solvent is hot and add the powder very slowly, bit by bit.

Summary of the Process:

• Step 1: Heat Cyclopentasiloxane or Isododecane to 75°C.
• Step 2: Slowly sprinkle Silicone Film (Powder) into the hot liquid while stirring at high speed.
• Step 3: Continue stirring until the solution is perfectly clear.
• Step 4: Gradually add Silicone Shine 15 and Dimethicone (Light/100) while maintaining the temperature and stirring.

The issue of Silicone Film (Powder, Hard Film, Very Long-Wear) (Trimethylsiloxysilicate) forming clumps and a jelly-like consistency when mixed without heat is a common challenge. This resin is a solid that naturally resists cold dissolution in silicone oils.

Why Clumping Occurs Without Heat:

When the powder hits the solvent, the outer layer of the powder particles begins to swell and becomes sticky (forming the "jelly" you see). Without heat or high shear, this sticky layer prevents the solvent from reaching the dry core of the powder, resulting in persistent clumps.

How to Achieve Complete Dissolution (No Heat):

If you must avoid heat, follow these specific steps to ensure a clear solution:

1. Use a High-Shear Mixer (Homogenizer):
   A standard propeller mixer is often insufficient for cold dissolution. A Homogenizer is required to mechanically break down the jelly-like clumps and force the resin to disperse into the solvent.

2. Dissolve in the Lightest Solvent First:
   Do not mix the powder into the full blend of silicones. Start by dissolving the powder only in Cyclopentasiloxane. This is the most effective solvent among your choices. Once the solution is perfectly clear, then add the heavier silicones like Silicone Shine 15 and Dimethicone 100.

3. The "Slow Sprinkle" Method:
   While the homogenizer is running at high speed, very slowly sprinkle the powder into the Cyclopentasiloxane. Do not dump it in all at once. Adding it bit-by-bit prevents large clumps from forming.

4. Extended Mixing Time:
   Cold dissolution takes significantly longer than hot dissolution. Even with high shear, you may need to mix for 30–60 minutes to ensure every particle is fully dissolved and the solution is homogeneous.

Recommended Alternative for Cold Processes:

If you do not have a high-shear homogenizer or find the cold process too difficult, the most professional solution is to use the pre-dissolved liquid version of this resin:

• Silicone Film (Very Long-Wear, Hard, Cyclopentasiloxane Base): This product contains the same high-performance resin already dissolved in Cyclopentasiloxane at a 45% concentration. It is a thick liquid that can be easily blended into your formula at room temperature using a standard propeller mixer, completely eliminating the clumping issue.

To replace 5% powder with the liquid version:
Since the liquid version contains 45% resin, you would use approximately 11.1% of the liquid version to achieve the same 5% resin content in your final formula (and reduce the added Cyclopentasiloxane accordingly).