Silicone Forms Silicone May Be Found in a Variety of Forms

Silicone emulsions are made up of silicone molecules suspended in a stabilized water solution. Lubricants, releasing agents, and cleaning and polishing chemicals are all used to improve spread and durability.

Silicone oils are basic, linear polysiloxane chains that may pass past each other, lubricating the system. They can be utilized as hydraulic fluids, lubricants, and raw materials for further processing.

Liquid silicone rubber is fluid enough to be used for precision injection molding. It is frequently a two-part composition that is combined immediately before entering the mold. Some of the uses for liquid silicone rubber include gaskets, potting for electronics, formed components, and medical equipment.

Caulk is a vulcanizing, viscous silicone that cures at room temperature. It has excellent workability, adhesion, and durability.

Silicone resins are thermosetting polymers that have branching molecules that form densely cross-linked structures. They are found in adhesives, protective and water-repellent coatings, and heat-resistant paints.

Grease: Silicone grease is created by combining silicone oil with fillers. The thermally stable substance that results lubricates the required surfaces. It also transfers heat and is resistant to dampness and other chemicals. Silicone grease has a variety of applications, including mold release, glass joint seals, and electrical contact protection.

Silicone gel is a two-part liquid composition that is platinum-catalyzed. To get the proper consistency for shaping into thin sheets or packages, it may incorporate extra oils or softeners. This kind of silicone has been utilized in the medical industry to reduce scars.

Silicone foam is made by combining outgassing agents with liquid silicone. These agents are regulated in order to produce open and closed-cell foams of varied densities. The skin of the foam can be smooth for use in gaskets and spacers, or it can be rough for use in gap fillers, pipe insulation, and other applications.

Solid silicone rubber is a form of silicone with long polymer chains and a high molecular weight. It is sometimes referred to as "high-consistency rubber" (HCR). It becomes relatively thick and rigid after curing. It has the ability to be shaped into finished items such as tubing, engine mounts, seals, and gaskets.

See our silicone properties guide for more details.

What is the classification of silicone?

Non-organic elastomeric polymers include all kinds of silicone. They are flexible, non-chemically reactive, resist deterioration by UV light, preserve mechanical qualities over a wide temperature range, and are non-toxic when handled properly.

Silicones may be molded into a variety of shapes and used for a wide range of applications. They can take the form of liquids, pastes, gels, foams, or solids. Silicones can be chemically modified to provide additional strength, thermal stability, electrical conductivity, or chemical resistance.

Is Silicone considered a rubber?

Silicone (polydimethylsiloxane) is a rubber compound. It is a polymer with an alternating backbone of silicon and oxygen atoms. This polymer has the extremely elastic characteristics of a rubber. Silicone rubber is a beneficial, if relatively new, addition to the rubber family. It outperforms natural rubber at severe temperatures and can be adjusted for a greater range of physical and mechanical qualities.

Is Liquid Rubber and Silicone the Same Thing?

A silicone-based liquid rubber sealant is one option, but other materials, such as polyurethane, may also be used. "Liquid Rubber" is most commonly used to describe thin sealants that may be applied to wide surfaces such as roads, roofs, and subterranean cement walls. "Liquid Silicone Rubber" (LSR) always refers to silicone. LSR is a raw material used in injection molding, surface joining/bonding, and sealing applications.