Silicones are polymers in which organic groups such as methyl and phenyl are bonded to the silicone atoms in chains of inorganic siloxanes (-Si-O-Si-).
The applications for silicones are virtually unlimited. Immensely versatile, silicones do specialist jobs in many industries from construction to transport from textiles to paper and pharmaceuticals to cosmetics. The unique properties associated with Silicones can be applied to all.
Among many of the highly valued characteristics, silicones can withstand extreme temperatures, they have outstanding release effects, are water repellent and have special electrical properties. Depending upon its molecular structure silicones can be supplied as fluids, resins, reactive polymers or rubbers. By subsequent processing they can be transformed into elastomers, sealants, lubricants, antifoams, impregnating and coating agents – to list but a few of their many uses.
Silicone based materials have many excellent features which impart special properties to systems into which they are incorporated.
Silicone fluids are insoluable and resistant to water. When silicone fluid is applied to a substrate the high contact angle of silicone causes water to be reelled from it. This makes silicones important in waterproofing applications such as masonry, textiles and polishes.
Silicine based products have excellent release properties. The inert nature of the silicone combined with its high temperature characteristics make it ideal for the release of plastics and rubber components during manufacture.
Silicone products impart a gloss effect to surfaces on which they are applied. The silicone forms an even coat on the surface and creates a gloss effect and enhances the depth of colour due to it's high refractive index. These properties are useful in polishes and when used in adding shine to magazines and textiles.
Silicone fluids have a very low surface tension, which along with their insolubility gives them excellent anti-foaming properties. Typical uses include textile finishing, chemical produuiction and oil and gas exploration.
The excellent slip properties of silicones make them ideal lubricating media particularly where plastics, nylon or polypropylene interface with metals. Silicones are used as thread lubricants in the textile industry as well as in grease formulations.
Silicones are excellent dielectrics which remain constant over a wide range of temperatures and frequencies. When incorporated into resins and greases the resultant products frm excellent transformer insulants, electrical component insulants or cooling agents.
Comprehensive tests have demonstrated that silicone fluids are of very low order toxicity and complay with F.D.A., C.T.F.A., B.G.A., and EU Regulations for use in the food and the environment.
Under intermitteny pressure loads, silicone fluids are stable for a longer period of time than mineral oils and have higher compressibility, allowing them to be used in damping media, hydraulic fluids and shock absorbers.
Building: Sealants for double glazing,
showers baths etc.
Paints: Heat resistant paints for
the automotive industry
Personal Care: Slip agent and water
proofing agent in suntan lotions and body creams
Paper: Softeners for face tissues, antifoam
Textiles: Thread lubricant, slickenern
for fibre duvets, softeners
Pharmaceuticals: Antacids
Electronics/telecommunications:
Lubricant for fibre optic and heat resistant cables (PennWhite is currently
the only approved supplier to British Telecom.)
Engineering: Damping media, Viscous
couplings, instrumentation, polishes, Non-stick ware.