Introduction to Silicone and Silicone Products

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Silicone is also known as polymerized siloxane, polysiloxane, or simply silicone. It's made up of any one of many polymers that contain alternate silicon and oxygen atoms. The properties of these polymers are determined by the organic group attached to the silicon molecules. Silicone is fluid and rubbery and highly stable at high temperatures. It also has water repellency, which makes them great for use in adhesives, lubricants and hydraulic oils, as well as insulation in many fields.

One of the most important characteristics of silicone is its ability maintain it's mechanical properties across a wide temperature range, -80degF - 400degF (60deg C- 205deg C), and in some cases normality may be maintained at even higher temperatures.

Sometimes silicone is mistakenly called "silicon". Silicones may contain silicon atoms but they do not have the same physical properties as silicon.

Silicone gaskets maker are available in various durometer solids. There are many types of silicones: high-tear strength silicones; reinforced silicones; electrically conductive silicons; and thermally conductive silicons.

Silicone foams are UL94V0 rated, which is required for electronic and transit sectors. It is able to withstand compression set tests and it is naturally UV resistant, making it suitable for many outdoor applications.

Silicone is a great choice for aerospace and aviation because of its extreme temperature resistance, stability under extreme environmental and chemical stress, as well as durability. You can use silicone rubber sealants to fasten exterior and interior doors, windows, and paneling. Silicone rubber sealants are highly fluid-resistant, making them ideal for fuel control diaphragms and hydraulic lines. Silicone rubber keypads can be used in both computers on Earth and in space.

Silicone sealants are used frequently to seal cracks, joints and crevices when buildings are being built or renovated. Silicone sealants are available in both professional and retail grades. These silicone sealants are one-part and absorb atmospheric moisture. This helps with professional installation. This method is popular among DIYers who use it to apply silicone caulking. Similar techniques are used for urethane, which is the biggest competitor to silicone caulking.

The performance and environmental benefits of silicone over acrylic, rubber, polyurethane and rubber will drive the US silicon demand to grow by 4.7 percent per year through 2010. Silicone fluids are in high demand and will continue to be so. Based on the renewed growth in electronics, silicone gel demand will increase faster.

Silicone gels are vital for the electronics industry, which has more specialized applications that require higher quality sealing materials. Silicone rubber is used for sealing, protecting and sealing circuits. It can also be used for electronic encapsulation and other elements to decouple noise.