I. Concept of silane and silane coupling agent
Silane is an organosilicon compound with the molecular formula of SiH4, which is a colorless, flammable and toxic gas that hardly exists in nature. Silane coupling agents are a class of compounds that contain silane bonds and other groups such as oxygen and ammonia in their molecular structure. They can react chemically with the surface of inorganic materials (e.g. glass, metal, etc.) or organic materials (e.g. plastics, rubber, etc.) to enhance the bonding force between materials.

2. The difference between silane and silane coupling agent

Different structure
Silane is a simple silicone compound, the molecular structure contains only silicon and hydrogen two elements. Silane coupling agent is a complex class of silicone compounds, their molecular structure contains not only silicon and hydrogen, may also contain other elements, such as oxygen, ammonia, etc..
Different roles
Silane is generally used as an intermediate for low molecular weight silicon compounds, but its reactivity is small, and can only occur with certain substances alkyl substitution reaction. And silane coupling agent can occur more kinds of reactions, such as amino, methoxy, alcohol, etc., so it is widely used in the field of modified materials, liquid crystals, etc., and it is also an important raw material for the preparation of organosilicon compounds.
Different uses
The main uses of silane include the preparation of silane compounds, silicone rubber, silicone fiber, etc.; while the main use of silane coupling agent is as a surfactant, used to improve the adhesion between different phases of the composite material, enhance the mechanical properties.
3. Summarize
Silanes and silane coupling agents are two important categories of organosilicon compounds, and although they both contain silane bonds, there are huge differences in structure, role, and use. Understanding the difference between them is important for the correct selection and use of them.