Study on the synthesis and thermal stability of silicone resins reinforced by Si–O–Ph cross-linking

) was up to 606 °C (nitrogen) and 542 °C (air), and its char yield at 800 °C was 91.1% and 85.3% in nitrogen and air, respectively. The significant improvement in thermal stability was mainly attributed to the formation of Si-O-Ph bonds which not only increases the cross-linking degree of the resin but also significantly prevents degradation by the 'back-biting' and oxidative cleavage.