Silicone – we have all heard of it, but what actually is it, where is it, and what does it do?
In brief, silicones are specialised materials that include silicone polymers, silicone fluids and reactive silanes. They are super-high performance materials that can be found in all kinds of places, from aerospace to health care, personal care and cosmetics, construction, transportation and electronics. Let’s take a look at the most common uses and benefits of silicone.
Why is silicone used in so many things?
Silicone can add many useful properties to a material. It enhances moisture and flexibility and increases resistance to cold, heat and ultraviolet light. Silicone can be liquid, solid, semi-viscous, rubber, oil or grease. Where might we find this amazing material?
Personal care and cosmetics.
Ask any makeup artist about primers and you can be sure that they will mention silicone. Silicone helps products to spread more easily and retain their colour. Silicone imparts shine on your hair and builds good SPF into skin care.
Electronics
Sturdy silicone makes up the outer casing on many phones, laptops and home entertainment gadgets. The interiors of these electronics also consist of silicone – the high thermal stability and dielectric properties make silicone perfect for electrical transmission.
Construction
Silicones are key to the construction of buildings large and small and are essential for energy efficiency. Silicone sealants and mouldings from companies such as http://www.meadex.co.uk prevent moisture getting where it should not.
Energy
Because silicones are so heat resistant, they are perfect for solar panels and photovoltaics. Being so durable, using silicones makes solar energy more cost-effective.
Kitchen kit
Silicone offers flexible, easy to clean, non-wearing kitchen equipment, from baking trays to cake cases. The silicone moulding does not impart any flavour to the food and is safe to use in freezers, microwaves and ovens.
Aviation industry
Silicones can withstand intense heat and also stress, making them perfect for the aviation industry. Silicones seal doors and windows and are used for wings, hydraulic switches, fuel tanks, landing gears and black boxes.
We are sure that silicone and developments in materials will continue to improve the world around us, from tiny chips in our smart technology to wondrous skyscrapers in the cities of the future.