Silicone is a chemical polymer derived from silicon. It is formed using silica stone, water, and natural gas-derived methanol. Silicone is generally present in the form of a liquid or a rubber-like plastic. The uses of silicones are widespread, encompassing numerous industries.
Properties And Uses Of Silicones
Silicones are commonly used products in a wide range of industries due to their unique properties and uses.
- Non-flammable: Silicone is non-flammable and can be used in situations where there is a high risk of fire.
- Thermal resistance: Silicone can withstand extreme high and low temperatures, without changing its properties.
- Chemical resistance: Silicone can mix well when combined with other oils and chemicals.
- Electrical insulators: There are a lot of benefits of silicone like prevention of electrical shock when used as electrical insulators in the technology industry.
12 Industrial Applications Of Silicones are:
1. Agriculture
Silicones are used as adjuvants and antifoam in the field of agriculture. Silicone-based chemicals are used in pesticides and fertilizers to properly distribute agrochemicals across plants and plant-based produce during their growth phase.
2. Personal care products
The application of silicone is used to lessen the white residue of antiperspirants in deodorants. They are known to provide significant shine on the skincare products. Silicones are used in shampoos, cosmetics, and conditioners to retain the color of the compound.
3. Home care
Uses of silicones are extensive when it comes to home care products. It is used in making polishes, cleaners, antifoams, preservatives, detergents, and fabric softeners. The addition of silicone enhances the efficiency and performance of these home care products.
4. Construction materials
Silicone is widely used as a construction material when it comes to the erection of buildings and structures. It protects the constructed building from extra moisture and the build-up of bacteria.
5. Paints & coatings
One advantage of using silicone in paints and coatings is that silicone coatings have a very low chance of corrosion. When silicone-inclusive paints are applied on the walls of homes, buildings, and bridges, these structures can withstand severe weather conditions and temperatures without cracking. Silicone uses in the paints and coatings industry have benefitted a lot of companies and consumers.
6. Lubrication
Silicones are used in the form of lubricants in many scenarios. Silicone greases are used to lubricate bicycle chains, machine parts, air-soft gun parts, engines, and other mechanisms. Oil-based lubrication is commonly used in the hinges and latches of the vehicles.
7. Adhesives
The silicone applications in making adhesives have been increasing every day. We use silicone-based adhesives in household tasks for binding surfaces such as binding metal and glass together. Windows are sealed with frames using silicone adhesive due to its weather-resistant properties.
8. Leather
Silicone is used in making leather products to enhance the look, feel, and appearance of the leather. Since silicone is water resistant, it also helps in protecting the leather from any water damage.
9. Pharma and healthcare
The rubber form of silicone is used in making medical components like earplugs, hearing aids, balloon catheters, tubing for feeding & drainage, compression bars, test chambers, and many others. The properties and uses of silicones in the medical field state that it is biocompatible, biodurable, and unlikely to cause allergic reactions in the human body.
10. Aerospace
The Silicone applications in the aviation industry are quite extensive due to its high temperature and stress resistance properties. Silicone adhesives and sealants are used in windows, doors, overhead bins, fuel tanks, engine gaskets, hydraulic switches, wings, wing edges, landing gear, electrical devices, and vent ducts.
11. Cookware
Some of the common uses of silicone in cookware are found in making oven mitts, panhandles, gloves, silicone-based cookware, and many other things. Silicone-based cookware doesn’t change the taste and the texture of the food, instead, it helps in proper cooking of the vegetables.
12. Solar panels
Silicones are the best choice when it comes to increasing the efficiency, durability, and performance of solar panels. It can withstand the heat and power of the sun for many upcoming years.
Conclusion
In this blog, we studied the 12 different types of applications of silicone in different industries. Silicone is a synthetic compound made from siloxanes. In other words, we can say that it is derived from the combination of silicon and some other materials. Kitchenware is one of the top industries where silicone is used, followed by healthcare, aviation, and paints & coatings.
Silicone and silicon are two entirely different terms and are often used interchangeably in various scenarios. Now you know the difference between silicon and silicone and their applications. The versatility and low production cost of silicones make them the best choice for use in various industries, leading to a wide variety of applications in the field.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main uses of silicone?
The main use of silicone is in the making of sealants, medicine, lubricants, adhesives, cooking utensils, and many others.
Where is silicone used in everyday life?
In everyday life, we use silicone in kitchenware products like gloves, tongs, oven mitts, and a huge range of car parts.
Why is silicone good for the skin?
Silicone is good for the skin as it is proven to influence the skin’s hydration and boosts its ability to benefit from other ingredients.
Can silicone hold weight?
No, silicone is a strong sealant but it is not suitable for weight-bearing structures.
Is silicone safe for food?
Yes, silicone-based cookware when used, does not cause any harmful effects/contamination on the food.