The ring-shaped structure of silicone enables the manufacture of many previously unimaginable products

Silicon is the second largest element on Earth, making up 28% of the Earth's crust, and is found in sand, silicates, and many minerals like quartz. Silicon atoms are linked to oxygen atoms to form long polymer chains, which form a ring-like structure, resulting in a silicone resin. Such curly structures exist in a range of material forms from gaseous to brittle solids, and can be manufactured in a wide variety of viscosities, densities, structures, and functions. The unique combination of properties of this coil has inspired industrial production, resulting in many previously unimaginable products.

Unique performance

The unique properties of silicone resins cover a large number of functions. Most notable is the excellent temperature resistance. Silicone resins are stable at -90-330°C. This fairly wide range is in stark contrast to most organics, which begin to solidify above 0°C and begin to fade and oxidize at 120°C. Due to its inherent ultraviolet (UV) resistance and antioxidant properties, silicone resists weather very well, making it ideal for outdoor use. Silicone resins do not fade and decompose over time, as organic matter does.

The electrical insulation properties of silicone resins are close to those of glass products, so they are also perfect for electronic products. In addition, the special resistance to ozone and corona makes it suitable for high-pressure applications. Silicone resins provide good water resistance and water stability, so they can also be found in the field of underwater instrumentation. As a rubber, silicone resin is used in gaskets and seals because of its high resistance to compression and deformation. Its own bonding ability is used in the conveyor belt of the oven for baking food, and can also be used in elastic molds for injection molding materials and low-melting alloys.

Performance determines use

There is no single market for silicone, but rather thousands of niche markets that span many industries, disciplines, and functions. The following are examples of special applications of silicone resin, from which it can be said that it is a versatile material.

One of the first applications was during World War II, when silicone rubber gaskets were used on the B-29's searchlights and superchargers in 1943. No other material can withstand such extreme temperatures. In the late 1940s, this primary use spawned an industry. Industrial gaskets and sealants, together with the partial application of high temperature rubber, have caused the explosive growth of the market. It quickly expanded into the automotive, aerospace and professional markets. At this time, the hot vulcanized silicone rubber industry has been established.

Before 1947, silicon defoamer had been used in industry. Based on very low surface tension, they remove foam quickly. By the 1950s, liquid silicone resins with foam suppression capabilities were used in polyurethane products that produced uniform cell structures.

In 1948, the first polysiloxane emulsion was developed and used in modern tire molds based on silicon release agents. Polydimethylsilicone oil (PDMS) is a natural anti-stick agent that functions very similar to a release agent. At the same time, silicone oil automotive wax and furniture polish are widely used. In addition, for stone and textile materials will have a unique water repellent3.

Room temperature vulcanized (RTV) silicone resin was the first silicone rubber product to be accepted by the broad user market. Since its introduction in 1960, it has been widely used. Silicone is considered better than other sealants because of its resistance to extreme temperatures and its ability to adhere to various matrix materials without a primer. They can also be used in the construction, glass assembly, pharmaceutical, aviation, aerospace, manufacturing, electrical and electronic products and automotive markets. Today, the largest portion of silicone consumption is used in the building materials industry.