Ranging from everyday consumer products like kitchenware to industrial specific tools, silicone is found in several products across the world. Silicones can be found in something as small as a sippy cup to incredibly durable assembly pieces of aviation equipment. The technology can even be used for basic home improvements with tools such as silicone sealants and caulks. Here’s a basic overview of silicone and its many applications.
Silicone refers to a large family of specialty materials that support a diverse range of purposes. Silicone itself is made up of silicone fluids, reactive silanes, and silicone polymers. The combined results create a number of products utilized by consumers and specialized industries. Silicone can be found in a number of average, everyday household products along with more specific industrial applications.
Kitchenware
Of the household products silicone is primarily used for, kitchenware is among the most common. This is because silicone is bacteria and heat resistant. Plus, its flexible properties make it fantastic for kitchen materials like oven mitts. By taking a glance around your kitchen, you’ll notice that silicone is found in products like baking molds, cake pans, and sippy cups. Silicone’s ability to withstand high temperatures and its bacteria resistance make kitchenware long-lasting and effective.
Aviation
You might be impressed to know that silicone is often used on planes and spacecraft. This is because silicone is capable of enduring intense temperatures and maintaining its structure under immense stress. Silicone is used for several parts of the aircraft assembly process. You can find it in a plane’s windows, wings, fuel tanks, and more. Even an aircraft’s paint is made out of silicone to decrease friction and improve fuel efficiency.
Paints
Technology improvements have allowed exterior silicone paints to last longer and withstand intense elements. Today, silicone-enhanced paints are more likely to last longer against seasonal changes, increasing the flexibility of exterior coatings without the risk of cracking. Silicone paints and coatings can be seen on houses, railway cars, bridges, and road surfaces. With silicone, paint is less likely to deteriorate when exposed to oils, gasoline, acid rain, or salt spray.
Energy
As a whole, silicone contributes to overall energy efficiency. Silicone is used for several purposes that save energy and improve product performance. For example, silicone is used on many photovoltaic devices like solar panels to increase their efficiency and strength. Silicone is also commonly used for textile products since it helps fabric last a lot longer. Silicone has even been used as an antifoaming agent in laundry detergents. This contributes to energy efficiency and significantly decreases water consumption.
Personal Care
Silicones are used in several personal care products like deodorants, makeup, and sunscreen. Silicone polymers and cyclic siloxanes are specifically used as solvents and carriers to provide a “smooth” feeling to consumers. Their long-lasting properties maintain the colors found in certain shampoos and cosmetic products. Silicones produce a glossy effect and enhance the ability for skin care products to be made with more effective SPF.
Electronics
If you have a computer at home, it’s very likely that some of its parts made out of silicone. Today, the majority of smartphones, wearable fitness devices, and computers are created with silicone technology. Silicones play a particularly important role in LED lighting technology due to its ability to withstand high temperatures. They also bond and seal incredibly delicate circuits and microprocessors to conductors.
Silicone Sealants and Caulk
All of the greatest benefits of silicone combine to provide the perfect construction tool. Water resistance, adherence to temperature, and flexibility all make silicone the perfect choice for silicone sealants. This makes silicone incredibly important for construction projects of any kind, whether they contribute to basic home improvements or the creation of skyscrapers.
When used in the home, silicone sealants work great in kitchens and bathrooms. This is because silicone is resistant to bacteria and moisture, preventing common hygiene problems. Silicone caulks also work to improve the structure of one’s home, sealing up cracks and increasing energy efficiency.
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