The ring structure of silicone resin can make many products that were previously unimaginable

Silicon is the second largest element on the earth. 28% of the earth's crust is silicon, which is found in sand, silicates and many minerals like quartz. Silicon atoms and oxygen atoms are connected to form a long polymer chain, and the long chain forms a cyclic structure, thereby synthesizing silicone resin. This curled structure exists in material forms ranging from gaseous to brittle solids, and can also be manufactured with many different viscosities, densities, structures and functions. The unique combination of characteristics of this coil stimulated industrial production, resulting in many products that were previously unimaginable.

Unique performance

The unique properties of silicone cover a large number of functions. The most noticeable is the excellent temperature resistance. Silicone resin can remain stable at -90-330°C. This fairly wide range is in sharp contrast to most organics, which start to solidify above 0°C, and begin to fade and oxidize at 120°C. Due to its inherent ultraviolet (UV) and oxidation resistance, silicone resin has very good weather resistance, so it is very suitable for outdoor use. Silicone resin will not fade and crack over time like organics.

The electrical insulation performance of silicone resin is close to that of glass products, so it is also perfect for electronic products. In addition, the special ozone resistance and corona resistance enable it to be used for high-voltage applications. Silicone resin provides good water resistance and water immersion stability, so they can also be found in the field of underwater instruments. As a kind of rubber, silicone resin is used in gaskets and sealing fields because of its high resistance to compression deformation. Its own bonding ability is used for the conveyor belt of the oven for baking food, and it can also be used for the elastic molds of injection molding materials and low melting point alloys.

Performance determines usage

The silicone market is not a single market, but thousands of niche markets spanning many industries, disciplines and functions. The following are examples of special applications of silicone resin, which can probably be said to be an all-round material.

One of the first application areas was during World War II. In 1943, silicone rubber gaskets were used on B-29 searchlights and superchargers3. No other materials can withstand such extreme temperatures. In the late 1940s, this main use gave birth to an industry. Industrial gaskets and sealants, together with some applications of high-temperature rubber, have caused explosive growth in the market. It quickly expanded to the automotive, aerospace and professional markets. At this time, the heat-vulcanized silicone rubber industry has been established.

Before 1947, silicon defoamers had been used in industry. Based on very low surface tension, they can quickly eliminate foam. In the 1950s, liquid silicone resins with foam suppression capabilities were used in polyurethane products that produced uniform cell structures.

In 1948, the first silicone emulsion was developed and used in modern tire molds based on silicone release agents. Polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) is a natural anti-sticking agent, and its function is very similar to that of a release agent. At the same time, silicone car waxes and furniture varnishes are widely used. In addition, it will have unique water repellency when used in stone and textiles3.

Room temperature vulcanization (RTV) silicone resin is the first silicone rubber product accepted by the broad user market. Since it was introduced in 1960, it has been widely used. Due to its resistance to extreme temperatures and its ability to adhere to various matrix materials without the need for primers, silicone resins are considered better than other sealants. They can also be used in the construction, glass assembly, medicine, aviation, aerospace, manufacturing, electrical, electronic and automotive markets. Today, the largest consumption of silicone is the amount used in the building materials industry.