An Introduction to Silicone

Silicone has been in widespread use since the 1930s. Before that time people experimented with the chemical element silicon, which is what eventually led to the creation of the polymer, silicone, which we have come to rely on today.

Silicone is not produced in one particular way, nor is it only a single material and all of its variations are used in a startling number of ways.

Anyone hoping to understand silicone to its fullest degree should begin with a few basic facts. The first is that silicone is not a naturally occurring material. It is a man-made polymer that has a far more rubber like quality than most polymers, such the majority of plastics in the world. The next thing to know is that silicone appears in an almost overwhelming number of industries and applications because of its excellent properties.

These include:

· Repellent to water, ultra-violet rays, oxygen and ozone

· Entirely non-stick

· Serves as a good electrical insulator

· Very low toxicity, yet does not allow microbial growth

· Does not react with many other chemicals

· Thermal stability – meaning it is secure at extremes of heat and cold

What do all of these things mean to industry and manufacturing?

Consider that silicone and its ability to repel water, UV, oxygen and ozone makes it a good option for those in need of a reliable sealant for products like aquariums, windows, plumbing applications and many building supplies. Silicone coatings are popular as well, and this too is because of the material’s ability to repel certain elements for a long period of time.

Its non-stick properties have made silicone a real darling of the cookware industry, and today consumers can purchase silicone bakeware and cake pans as well as molds for candy, ice cubes and muffins. It is also used to craft oven mitts that are flexible and heat resistant up to 675 ˚F.

The non-stick properties are also used in commercial and industrial mold making, which includes casting of such materials as resins, alloys, foams and rubber. Silicone grease and lubricants are popular in the auto industry and in any application that requires a safe and durable result. This means that silicone’s low toxicity and non-stick qualities place it among the most trusted materials for use in personal and medical lubricants as well.

Pick up any modern portable device and it is likely to utilize silicone rubber in its casing or components, and this is due to its capacity for electrical insulation. This appeals to spark plug manufacturers as well, and they regularly employ silicone in their products to help prevent misfires.

The low toxicity of silicone rubber makes it desirable for many personal products, which include nipples for baby’s bottles, many children’s toys, health and beauty products such as shampoos and conditioners. Silicone gel is a main component for hair styling products because they greatly improve the feel and condition of the user’s hair. Silicone is even used in dry cleaning as an environmentally friendly alternative to the more dangerous chemical solvents traditionally used in this industry.

This is just a tiny fragment of the uses of silicone products. For specific applications please see the various pages that explore them in greater detail.