Abstract: Silicone foams are prepared by microwave curing of a mixture of at least one polyorganosiloxane having vinyl groups attached to silicon; at least one hydride polysiloxane; a blowing agent comprising water and, preferably, at least one monohydroxyaliphatic compound, a cyclodextrin inclusion compound of a platinum group metal coordination complex (preferably with a cyclic diene) and a filler. The use of the inclusion compound as a catalyst increases the shelf life of the composition, whereupon curing and foaming occur together upon exposure to microwave radiation.

Abstract: There is provided an infrared radiation curable organopolysiloxane composition having a poly(alkenylorganosiloxane), a siloxane hydride, an infrared radiation absorbent material, such as carbon black, and an effective amount of a platinum group metal catalyst. The infrared radiation curable organopolysiloxane composition can be used as a binder for a desiccant, such as a zeolite, useful in making multi-panel thermal pane windows.

Abstract: A method is provided for making a rigid spacer, containing a silicone bound desiccant which is useful for a multi-pane sealed window. An infrared radiation curable silicone is used as a binder for a desiccant such as a zeolite which is injected in a continuous manner into a U-shaped or V-shaped semi-rigid spacer such as a steel channel.