Silicone oils are commonly found in products used in our daily lives. Due to its unique properties, it has various applications across various industries.
In this blog, we’ll learn the meaning of silicone oil and its uses.
What is silicone oil?
Silicone oil is commonly understood as linear polysiloxanes that remain liquid at room temperature. Usually, it is divided into two categories methyl silicone oil and modified silicone oil. The most widely used silicone oil is methyl silicone oil, also known as standard silicone oil. The organic groups of it are all methyl, Methyl silicone oil has good chemical stability, insulation, and good hydrophobic performance.
It is obtained by hydrolysis of dimethyl dichlorosilane with water and subsequent initial polycondensation ring, ring cracking, distillation to obtain the low ring, then connecting the ring, head agent, and catalyst polymerization can be obtained a variety of different degrees of polymerization mixture, by vacuum distillation remove the low boiling substance.
What is silicone oil used for?
- Silicone oil is a vitreous fluid substitute used in many eye surgeries and treatments since other substances do not reach silicone oil purity.
- Many of the anti-flatulent drugs contain silicone oil. It decreases the excessively formed gas in the human digestive system.
- Silicone oil is used in ointments and skin creams. The water-resistant silicone oil acts as a protective layer over the skin but still allows the skin to breathe.
- Silicone oil-based pharmaceutical creams, due to their transcutaneous permeability, are effective in alleviating burns and dermatitis.
- Medical instruments are well-known to be lubricated by silicone oil.
- Silicone oil was also used for cooling fan clutch assemblies in the automotive industry.
- It was a lubricant in woodworking and construction.
- Silicone oil is used for the fermentation in breweries.
- It also acts as an excellent mold release during the manufacture of plastics and rubber parts.
- It is used as aircraft hydraulic oil as it is non-shearing.
- Silicone oil is used in laboratories in heating baths.
Benefits of using silicone oil
The viscosity stability of silicone oil is remarkable, making it a fluid that is highly trustworthy and consistent in different applications. This means the fact that a liquid can retain its viscosity over time while exposed to varying environmental conditions of temperature or shear stresses. The inherent properties of silicone oil make it outstanding in viscosity stability, which is the main reason why silicone oil is widely applied in many industrial and commercial uses.
The molecular structure is one of the most important reasons for silicone oil's viscosity stability. Silicone oil is formed by chains of silicon and oxygen atoms that make up a very strong backbone. This structural stability enables silicone oil to withstand shearing forces and preserve its viscosity even under harsh conditions.
Silicone oil shows low shear rate sensitivity, therefore, its viscosity practically does not change under shear stress. Shear stress occurs when a fluid is subjected to forces that make it flow or deform. Various other oils and fluids also change viscosity under shear stress, but silicone oil retains its viscosity stability making its performance consistent.
The viscosity stability is very important for the cases where it is necessary to precisely control the fluid properties. In hydraulic systems, for example, the viscosity stability of silicone oils provides constant flow rates and reliable operation even under different operating conditions. In addition, in the pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries where dose and formulation precision are important, silicone oil viscosity stability ensures accurate measurement and constant product performance.
Conclusion
In the above blog, we learned all about silicone oil and its various advantages when used in a wide range of industries like cosmetics, automotive, and pharmaceuticals. Its unique properties like viscosity stability, and resistance to high-temperature conditions make it an ideal choice for use in the market. There are various companies manufacturing silicone oil in India at affordable prices for excellent quality.
FAQ
What is the purpose of silicone oil?
Silicone oils are primarily used as lubricants and hydraulic fluids. They are also excellent electrical insulators and non-flammable.
Can I use silicone oil on my skin?
Silicone oil has very promising effects when applied on the skin like moisture locking, wound healing, and smoothening.
Is silicone oil waterproof?
Yes, silicone oil is waterproof.