The resulting polymer can be described as (Me3SiO1/2)x
(MeSiO3/2)y or MxTy , using shorthand notation. The formation
of three silanols on the MeSiCl3 by hydrolysis yields
a three-dimensional structure or resin, rather than a linear
polymer. The average molecular weight depends upon the number
ofMunits that come from the trimethylchlorosilane, which
limits the growth of the resin molecule. Most of these resins
are prepared in a solvent and usually contain some residual
hydroxyl groups. These could subsequently be used to
cross-link the resin and form a continuous network.