n-Alkylsiloxanes: from single monolayers to layered crystals. The formation of crystalline polymers from the hydrolysis of n-octadecyltrichlorosilane

X-ray diffraction and infrared, Raman and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopic studies, as well as thermal gravimetric analysis were done to characterize the formation of a new class of layered, microcrystalline polymers from the hydrolysis of n-octadecyltrichlorosilane. The results revealed that the polymeric condensate is composed of periodic layers, each bearing a monomolecular layer of intercalated water, separated by crystalline assemblies of alkyl chains.