| [GMCnet] Silicon vs Silicone [message #368583] |
Wed, 26 January 2022 15:18  |
emerystora
Messages: 4442
Registered: January 2004
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We have had an interesting discussion on silicŏn and silicōne.
To make a long story short, silicon is an element and silicones are polymers containing silicon and oxygen, and often carbon and hydrogen as well.
Silicon, the 14th element in the Periodic Table, is the seventh most common element in the universe and the second most common element on Earth (oxygen is the most common element). But this crystalline element has a strong affinity for oxygen, so it is almost always found as silicon dioxide (aka silica or sand).
Silicones, also known as polysiloxanes, are a family of man-made polymers that are usually liquid or a flexible, rubberlike plastic. The polymers have an inorganic chain of silicon and oxygen atoms with organic side groups attached to the silicon. They have several useful properties that make them the basis for a variety of consumer and industrial products including:
Low thermal conductivity.
Low electrical conductivity.
Low toxicity.
The ability to repel water and form watertight seals.
They do not stick to most substrates, but does stick to glass.
Physical properties remain the same despite changes in temperature.
They resist oxygen, ozone, and ultraviolet light.
Silicones are used in sealants; adhesives; lubricants; brake fluids, medical products; both cosmetic and orthopedic implants; cooking utensils; tools; thermal and electrical insulation; coatings for paper, textiles, and gaskets; potting for electronics; and even as a dry-cleaning solvent.
Emery Stora
emerystora@mac.com
77
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