Silicone is a highly versatile synthetic material used in a vast range of applications throughout multiple industries. Silicone can be found in the products we use in our daily lives, from the cars we drive, food preparation and storage products, baby bottles and pacifiers, and dental and other daily personal hygiene products. Silicone is also widely used in products that could save our lives including respiratory masks, IV’s, and other critical medical and healthcare devices.
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In this guide, we discuss its uses and how it compares to silicon and plastic. You will learn more about the silicone production process and some of the notable advantages of this compound.
Silicone, also known as polysiloxane, is a human-made material. It is a polymer comprised of siloxane that features a rubber-like consistency with molecules that have chains of alternating oxygen and silicon atoms. This unique polymer can be a key component used in:
A distinct differentiator between silicones and other industrial polymers is that their molecular backbone does not contain carbon. Some of the common applications using silicone include:
Industries ranging from automotive to textiles and consumer to medical use silicone for various purposes.
As a versatile polymer, silicone is in the following:
The primary ingredient in silicone is silica — one of the most commonly occurring forms of sand. Here’s what you need to know about silicone vs. silicon.
Silicone and silicon, although similar in their spelling, differ in how they are produced. Silicon s a chemical element (Si). Like most elements, it does not naturally exist in its isolated form. However, silicone refers to a broad class of polymers that consist of a siloxane bond (chemical formula -Si-O-Si-) with various organic compounds attached.
Another distinction between the two is their physical characteristics. Silicon is harder and a more brittle substance, while silicone is a more flexible and softer material with better heat-resistant properties.
Some of the most common applications for silicon include the following:
Let’s explore the various steps involved in silicone production.
Isolating silicon from silica is the first step in producing silicone. To achieve this, a large volume of quartz sand is heated to temperatures as high as 1800 degrees Celsius. Pure, isolated silicon is the result. Once it cools, manufacturers can grind it into fine powder.
The fine silicon powder is mixed with methyl chloride. Applying heat again activates a reaction between the components forming what is known as methyl chlorosilane. Methyl chlorosilane is a mix containing several compounds, the most predominant of which, dimethyldichlorosilane, is the primary building block of silicone.
Getting from dimethyldichlorosilane to silicone requires a complex distillation process to separate the various components of methyl chlorosilane from one another. Because chlorosilanes have different boiling points, this step involves heating the mixture to a series of precise temperatures.
Following distillation, combining water with dimethyldichlorosilane causes a separation of hydrochloric acid and disilanol.
The hydrochloric acid then acts as a catalyst for the disilanol, causing it to condense into polydimethylsiloxane.
You’ll notice polydimethylsiloxane has a siloxane bond. This bond is the silicone’s backbone. Polymerizing silicone involves several different methods depending on the finished product’s desired properties.
While the silicone production process may seem complex, in reality, it’s fairly straightforward and can take place on a mass scale for a relatively low cost. As such, it’s little wonder that versatile silicone has emerged as one of the most popular elastomers for commercial and industrial use.
Plastic and silicone are highly durable and malleable materials, and they can have a similar look and feel. While the two closely resemble one another, their distinctive chemical and molecular compositions make them different.
Plastics have a molecular backbone created with carbon and hydrogen. Producing them uses the following resources:
Plastics are made from less environmentally friendly elements and can break down into dangerous microplastics. They also sometimes contain toxins, such as bisphenol A. Plastics typically do not last as long as silicones and are less resistant to extreme temperatures.
Silicone materials are highly beneficial for a wide variety of applications. Because of its properties, silicone materials have many advantages, these properties include the following:
Silicone is easy to customize and mold and comes in a variety of forms (liquid, solid or sheet) depending on the molding or fabrication process and specific use. Whether your application requires greater temperature resistance or more malleability, material manufacturers offer a variety of compounds and grades to meet your various needs.
At SIMTEC, we believe in providing our customers with value-added solutions. These solutions utilize the best-suited material, tooling and manufacturing process that will deliver high-performance liquid silicone rubber injection molded parts and extraordinary results.
Our LSR injection molding cells incorporate precision automation, innovative technology, a stable process and rigorous quality standards, inspections and testing to ensure we meet the highest quality possible customized for your specific requirements. We strive to deliver precision, value-added LSR components that consistently meet our customer’s productivity, cost, and quality objectives.
OSi Silicone contains other products and information you need, so please check it out.
Are you interested in learning more about LSR custom component solutions from SIMTEC? Contact us today.
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Dec 16, 2023
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Silicone fluid, frequently known as silicone oil, is a flexible commonly used chemical that contains a number of specific features that make it essential in several industries. This blog explores the properties, applications, and advantages of silicone fluid, shedding light on its diverse uses and significance in different sectors.
Silicone fluid is a type of synthetic material derived from silicon, a key component in sand. What makes silicone fluids unique is their excellent thermal stability, low surface tension, and resistance to extreme temperatures. These fluids come in a range of viscosities, allowing for diverse applications across industries.
The exceptional lubricating qualities of silicone fluid, characterized by its low surface tension and thermal stability, render it highly effective in diverse industrial environments. This lubricant excels in reducing friction, mitigating wear and tear, and prolonging the operational lifespan of machinery.
The exceptional thermal stability of silicone fluid qualifies it as an effective heat transfer medium. It is employed in applications where precise temperature control is crucial, such as in cooling systems for electronics.
Silicone fluid finds extensive use in the electronics and electrical sector, thanks to its dielectric properties. It functions as both a coolant and insulator in transformers and various other electrical devices.
In the fabrics industry, silicone oil stands out as a preferred silicone softener for textiles. It bestows a soft and velvety texture to textiles while preserving their breathability. This application is particularly prevalent in the creation of cozy and comfortable clothing.
Silicone fluid’s bio-compatibility and inert characteristics make it a fitting choice for diverse medical and pharmaceutical applications. It is important to the manufacture of medical equipment and is used in the preparation of pharmaceuticals.
When it comes to sourcing high-quality silicone fluid, one name that stands out is BosTech Polymer, a reliable UAE chemical suppliers. BosTech Polymer is known for its commitment to providing top-notch chemical products to various industries. With a focus on quality, reliability, and customer satisfaction, BosTech Polymer has established itself as a trusted partner for businesses in need of silicone oil and other specialty chemicals. Their dedication to quality assurance makes them a preferred choice among silicone oil suppliers in UAE.
Silicone fluid, with its exceptional characteristics and diverse applications, plays a pivotal role in numerous industries. From industrial lubrication to textile softeners and medical applications, the versatility of silicone fluid makes it an indispensable substance. As businesses seek reliable sources for quality chemicals, suppliers like BosTech Polymer stand out as key partners, ensuring a steady and dependable supply of silicone oil. The combination of silicone fluid’s unique properties and the reliability of suppliers in the UAE contributes to the continued success and innovation across various sectors.
The company is the world’s best Silicone Oil Factory supplier. We are your one-stop shop for all needs. Our staff are highly-specialized and will help you find the product you need.