8 Uses of Silicone and Benefits

22 Jul.,2024

 

8 Uses of Silicone and Benefits

Perhaps the most beneficial application of silicone materials is its use in adhesives, coatings, and sealants. Because of silicone&#;s flexibility, wear and environmental resistance, and thermal stability, it&#;s used in a variety of buildings and products we use every day.

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In construction, silicone helps insulate buildings from the elements. It helps improve energy efficiency and maintain comfortable temperatures for both people and machinery. Additionally, silicone&#;s use as a coating helps buildings, roads, and bridges retain structural integrity and resist corrosion. 

In electronics, its use as an adhesive and protective coating for circuit components enables the functioning of high-tech equipment such as smartphones and computers. 

Without silicone, many products and structures we&#;re accustomed to today may not be possible.

What Are the Silicone Components That Make it Useful?

The components of silicone that make it useful are the Si-O bonds and organic groups that bond to the silicon within the molecule. It is Si-O bonds that allow for silicone&#;s material properties such as excellent heat resistance, environmental stability, and chemical & wear resistance.

Possible organic groups within silicones include methyl, phenyl, and vinyl. Silicone&#;s properties depend on the choice of this organic group. For example, silicones containing the methyl group exhibit the characteristics of excellent heat resistance, environmental stability, and chemical & wear resistance. Meanwhile, the presence of both methyl and phenyl groups can make silicones perform better in low-temperature environments.

Who Are the Most Common Silicone Users?

Industries such as construction commonly use silicone. Industrial coatings, adhesives & sealants, and offshore drilling are typical uses and applications. Silicones are also commonly found in cosmetics, consumer goods, and electronics.

Is Silicone Beneficial?

Yes. Silicone is beneficial to several industries and provides substantial socioeconomic benefits to the world. Without silicone, many homes and businesses would be uncomfortable and hot; also many everyday products and devices would simply not exist. 

Is Silicone Suitable for a Wide Range of Applications?

Yes. Silicones are suitable for a wide range of applications due to their unmatched flexibility and thermal and environmental stability. Possible applications of silicone are seemingly endless &#; from freezing to sweltering temperatures, from underwater to outer space.

For more information, see our guide on the properties of silicone.


The Dos and Don'ts of Working with Silicone Adhesives ...

Getting Started

If you have ever worked in an industrial setting, you have probably come across silicone adhesives and sealants. They are versatile, but, unlike some other adhesives, they must cure. Curing means letting them dry, and, although it is not necessarily a difficult process, it takes patience. They can take as little as 24 hours to cure, but it may also take up to several days if the sealant is thick. Here are a few tips and tricks to ensure you make full use of silicone adhesives and sealants.

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Dos of Using Silicone Adhesives and Sealants

Use a primer whenever possible

Primers are valuable because they help sealants adhere to your chosen surface. Primers may have a short shelf life, but they help improve adhesion by 20%. There are a few solvent-based primers that can be applied by brush or by a cloth that will enhance your bond.

Consider the shelf life

The majority of sealants sold today cure at the rate of 2-3mm per 24 hours, and this is exactly why they will not last forever in the tube. They have an especially short shelf life if in hot and humid conditions. Keeping them in the refrigerator will help extend their days, and keeping nozzles always attached will also help them cure slowly. Obviously, refrain from opening the tubes until you are ready to use them.

Prep your workspace

Keep in mind that other people, and even pets, may come in contact with the space you are working in, so make sure your silicone applicator is safely away from children and animals. Choose a work area that is well ventilated if your adhesive has an odor.

An Easy Way to Remove Sealant

Manufacturers always get queries from people asking if there is any miracle substance that can help remove the sealant. Well, the answer to this is no. The only way you will be able to remove sealant is through mechanical methods, such as a cheese wire or sharp knife, or by abrading it with a sander.

Don'ts of Using Silicone Adhesives and Sealants

Not choosing the right adhesive

Before you use a silicone adhesive or sealant for your project, you must check the materials you are working with. There are adhesives made especially for certain materials. Make sure you choose the right silicone for your project.

For industrial applications like engines, oil pans, transmissions, etc., we recommend RTV silicone. If you're looking for a general-purpose, durable sealant that can be used in a wide range of industrial applications, check out the Window Silicone Sealant. It's even great at adhering to non-porous surfaces like glass and metals. For substrates like aluminum, brass, steel, mortar, granite, marble, wood and many plastics, the Polymer Modified Urethane Sealant is a great option. 

Not checking the expiration date

Before applying silicone adhesives and sealants, make sure it is not out of date. This is a small detail that is easily overlooked. Silicone sealant undergoes changes if it is past its shelf life. Tubes that are out of date take a longer time to dry and are no longer potent.

Not cleaning the surface

If there is any grime, oil, grease, or other residues on the surfaces which you are working with, you will have a difficult time forming a solid and good bond. Make sure you clean surfaces thoroughly and let them dry before proceeding with your work.

Not following instructions

There are various types of sealants and adhesives, and they come with slightly different instructions for how they are to be used, particularly in terms of how long it takes for the sealant to dry. There are very strong adhesives that might need to be mixed with other substances before use. Therefore, always read the instructions and follow them to the letter.

Not using pressure

Gluing two pieces of metal together is different from using glue with paper and waiting for it to dry on its own. Pressure has to be applied to ensure the bond formed is as strong as possible. A vise or clamp can hold the pieces together with firm pressure so that the adhesive can bond to the metal surfaces which have been prepared prior. Wait as long as possible before removing the clamp, and allow the adhesive ample time to dry. Do not hasten the process, Otherwise, you will have problems.

Ready to Get Started?

Whether you're ready to apply your silicone sealant or you still have questions you'd like to talk about with a product specialist, contact us. A member of our knowledgeable team would be happy to work with you through the purchasing process and answer your questions. 

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