The circular structure of silicone resin can produce many previously unimaginable products
Silicon is the second largest element on Earth, accounting for 28% of the Earth's crust. It is found in sand, silicates, and many minerals like quartz. Silicon atoms and oxygen atoms are connected to form polymer long chains, which form a circular structure, thus synthesizing silicone resin. This curly 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 has stimulated industrial production, resulting in the production of many previously unimaginable products.
Unique performance
The unique properties of silicone resin encompass a wide range of functions. The most noteworthy feature is its excellent temperature resistance. Silicone resin can maintain stability at -90-330 ° C. This relatively wide range contrasts sharply with most organic compounds, which begin to solidify above 0 ° C and fade and oxidize at 120 ° C. Due to its inherent UV resistance and antioxidant properties, silicone resin has excellent weather resistance, making it very suitable for outdoor use. Silicone resin does not undergo fading and cracking over time like organic compounds.
The electrical insulation performance of silicone resin is similar to that of glass products, so it also has perfect applications in electronic products. In addition, its special resistance to ozone and corona discharge enables it to be used for high-voltage applications. Silicone resin provides good water resistance and immersion stability, so their traces can also be found in the field of underwater instruments. As a type of rubber, silicone resin is used in the fields of gaskets and seals due to its high resistance to compression deformation. Its inherent bonding ability is used for the conveyor belt of ovens for baking food, as well as for elastic molds for injection molding materials and low melting point alloys.
Performance determines purpose
The market for silicone resin is not singular, but rather a niche market spanning thousands of industries, disciplines, and functions. The following are examples of special applications of silicone resin, which can roughly be said to be an all-around material.
One of the initial application areas was during World War II, in 1943, silicone rubber gaskets were used on B-29 searchlights and boosters. No other material can withstand such extreme temperatures. In the late 1940s, this primary use gave birth to an industry. Industrial gaskets and sealants, along with some applications of high-temperature rubber, have caused explosive growth in the market. It has rapidly expanded to the automotive, aerospace, and professional markets. At this point, the hot vulcanized silicone rubber industry has been established.
Before 1947, silicon defoamers had already been applied in industry. Based on very low surface tension, they can quickly eliminate foam. In the 1950s, liquid silicone resin with foam inhibition ability was used in polyurethane products that produced uniform cell structure.
In 1948, the first polysiloxane lotion was developed and used for modern tire mold based on silicon release agent. Polydimethylsilicone oil (PDMS) is a natural anti stick agent, and its function is very similar to that of a release agent. At the same time, silicone car wax and furniture polish have been widely used. In addition, it has a unique water repellent ability when used for stone and textile fabrics.
Room temperature vulcanized (RTV) silicone resin was the first silicone rubber product to be accepted by a large user market. Since its introduction in 1960, it has been widely used. Due to its tolerance to extreme temperatures and the ability to adhere to various substrate materials without the need for a primer, silicone resin is considered superior to other sealants. They can also be used in the construction, glass assembly, pharmaceutical, aviation, aerospace, manufacturing, electrical, electronic products, and automotive markets. Today, the largest portion of silicone resin consumption is in the building materials industry.
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