General Purpose Silicone
Silicone is an extremely versatile material. It has many advantages over plastics, including durability and resistance to extreme temperatures.
The key difference between silicone and other polymers is that silicones have Si-O bonds to their backbones, instead of carbon, which makes them unusual “inorganic” polymers. They can also have organic groups attached, such as methyl or phenyl, which adds to their properties.
Versatility
General Purpose Silicone is a versatile, durable polymer that’s used in a wide range of applications. It can be applied in both large-scale and small projects, and is available from some of the world’s top brands, including XPRO, Everbuild, and Soudal.
The chemical makeup of silicone enables it to be so versatile, as it is made from a mix of different elements. This chemistry also allows the material to be incredibly flexible, and its temperature and moisture-resistant properties make it ideal for many different types of applications.
Unlike plastic, silicone can be made from organic or inorganic materials. This flexibility and versatility has helped it become the preferred choice for many industries that need to produce products that are durable and malleable, and can withstand extreme temperatures and environmental conditions.
One of the main reasons silicones are so versatile is because they have Si-O bonds (chemical formula: -Si-O-Si-) within them that can be replaced by different organic groups, such as methyl, phenyl, or vinyl. These groups affect the way the silicone reacts with various chemicals and substances, and can determine its properties.
For example, silicones containing the methyl group are known for their heat resistance, as well as their environmental stability and chemical & wear resistance. They also offer excellent water-repellent properties, which makes them an ideal coating for surgical tools.
Medical-grade silicones are available in gels and fluids, and can be vulcanised to form soft and durable elastomers, including prosthetic liners, orthotic inserts, and bandages. They are also used to coat and lubricate surgical instruments and drug delivery devices, and are biocompatible and resistant to bacteria.
Another major benefit of silicone is that it can be molded into shapes, allowing manufacturers to create complex, accurate parts with tight tolerances. Injection moulding is a common application, and the liquid silicone rubber (LSR) used within these machines can be mixed, cured, and released to form high-quality, detailed parts.
Other silicones that are highly suited for construction include PDMS (polyalkyl siloxane), which is used to seal and bond together plastics, metals, and ceramics. PDMS can be shaped to a variety of different profiles and shapes, and is suitable for a wide range of industrial applications. It is particularly resistant to water, sand, and dust, and has a very low critical surface tension. It can be easily bonded to a variety of surfaces and is suitable for interior and exterior applications, including weatherproofing windows and doors and sealing soft metals like lead, copper and zinc.
Water-Resistant
General Purpose Silicone has a variety of water-resistant properties that make it perfect for a wide range of applications. This durable silicone sealant is easy to apply and maintains its flexibility in both low and high temperatures. It’s also resistant to chemicals, moisture, and outdoor weather conditions, making it a great option for sealing and repairing any kind of material.
This 100% silicone rubber is great for quick household repairs and General Purpose Silicone projects, forming a strong, waterproof seal that won’t crack or shrink. It’s safe for incidental food contact, and it’s dishwasher and microwave safe.
It’s also harmless to fresh and saltwater fish, so it’s an ideal choice for repairing or building aquariums. It’s available in a convenient tube that makes it easy to store until needed.
A silane-based material is commonly used to waterproof porous surfaces, such as smooth concrete or sandstone. The silane is applied to the surface and penetrates it to a certain depth, before an alkaline chemical reaction forms a resin that blocks water molecules from entering the pores.
Another type of silicone-based material is fluorosilicone, which is often used in applications that require a chemical-resistant adhesive. It contains trifluoropropyl, which increases its chemical resistance to solvents, fuels, oils, and acids beyond what silicone adhesives offer.
The main difference between these two materials is their chemical makeups: silicone has an inorganic silicon-oxygen backbone, while fluorosilicone has a carbon-carbon bond backbone. This makes the former more versatile than the latter, so it’s ideal for more complex applications that need a higher degree of stability.
There are several different types of silicones, each with unique characteristics. Most of them have a central strip of silicon-oxygen with varying amounts of methyl groups along its edges. These methyl groups can modify the silicone’s properties, including its strength, elasticity, and solubility.
Some of the most common silicones are room-temperature vulcanizing (RTV), which will start curing immediately upon contact with water, and liquid silicone rubber (LSR). Liquid silicone rubber typically involves mixing two separate compounds at the time of use to initiate curing. This allows for more flexible mold and coating processes, and it reduces the likelihood of cracking during molding.
Heat-Resistant
Silicone has a unique behaviour in high-temperature environments that makes it a great choice for use in ovens, around fireplaces and in hot engine compartments. Its heat resistance enables it to retain its structure for long periods of time without breaking down or deforming.
A wide variety of silicone products have been specially formulated to resist excessive heat. These include sealants, adhesives, and insulators which do not degrade or deteriorate under extreme conditions.
These products range from gel sealants to heat resistant silicone rubbers and foams. Gel sealants are used in stove flues, gas appliance vents and in applications surrounding vehicle exhaust systems while heat resistant silicone rubbers and foams are often used as fire stops in walls and floors.
One of the most important properties of silicone is its ability to withstand temperatures up to 300degC. This is thanks to the highly stable chemical structure of the material.
The stability of the molecule is mainly due to the Si-O bonds that bond together with the organic groups within the molecule. These organic groups can include methyl, phenyl or vinyl.
Another important property of silicone is its ability to resist chemicals and moisture. It is also very flexible and can flex to conform to different surfaces. This makes General Purpose Silicone it an excellent choice for sealing applications that require high elasticity and flexibility.
It’s also very resistant to tearing and abrasion, making it an ideal choice for high-wear applications.
As a result, it is extremely popular in automobiles where it is commonly used to seal water and oil pump seals, timing chain covers, fuel pump seals and solenoid covers.
It is also used in construction for its durability and thermal insulation properties. This material is commonly bonded to various materials, including wood, metals and concrete. It is resistant to abrasion, oxidation, and other harsh chemicals, and is also very weather-resistant.
Chemical-Resistant
The chemical properties of General Purpose Silicone make it a strong contender for applications where durability, strength, and resistance to harsh conditions are key. It resists moisture, fuels and oils, heat, cold, salt spray, and ultraviolet light.
It is widely used in the automotive, medical, baby products and consumer goods sectors. It is a preferred replacement for natural rubber/latex in skin contact and medical applications because it is hypoallergenic.
There are many types of silicone elastomers with various properties that can be customized to meet specific needs. The inorganic silicon-oxygen backbone of a silicone molecule makes it less sensitive to acid and caustic compounds than other elastomers. This is a key benefit to many industries.
Another advantage to silicone is its excellent dimensional stability. This allows it to retain its shape under high heat, vibration, and cold stress. Its encapsulation capabilities also allow it to be used for electronic components that require a wide operating temperature range (-65 to 315 degC).
The material can be produced in a variety of forms such as liquid, paste, or hard, plastic-like consistencies. It can be molded, stamped, and formed into tubing for medical devices and other equipment.
In addition, the material is also resistant to most chemicals and acids. This makes it an ideal choice for certain industrial applications, including lubricants and sealing solutions.
It is also an important ingredient in a variety of cookware and kitchen utensils such as oven mitts, potholders, and trivets. It is non-stick and can be molded to form unique shapes that can withstand high temperatures.
Some of the most common industrial uses of silicone include insulating electrical appliances, building sealants, and caulking. Its resistance to heat and humidity makes it a popular choice for construction, as it creates watertight seals that will not break down or crack over time.
It is also a popular choice for sealants and lubricants in marine environments. It is also a versatile adhesive, creating gasket-like bonds when two surfaces are glued together. It cures in room temperature and can take up to 24 hours to fully set. It is not a difficult material to use, but it is important to ensure the sealant is at a proper humidity level and temperature before applying.
