Conclusion
End-of-life of silicone polymers

Although silicones are generally considered to be stable polymers under their conditions of use, it has been demonstrated that their degradation is possible in certain bio-physico-chemical contexts.

This is particularly the case at the end of their life cycle, when they enter certain recycling and/or waste treatment channels. Silicone degradation takes place in two successive phases, abiotic and biotic. By-products represent a source of carbon for micro-organisms in both aerobic and anaerobic conditions. However, the volatility of some of them prevents their mineralization and leads them to a gaseous compartment (atmosphere, biogas).

The consumption of silicones has been steadily increasing for over 50 years, both domestically and industrially, and it seems necessary to take the measure of their possible impacts on the environment, including...