Silicones
What is Silicones?
Silicones are synthetic polymers consisting of repeating –Si(R₂)–O– units (siloxane backbone), where R is typically an organic group such as methyl or phenyl, giving a hybrid inorganic-organic structure. They exhibit wide thermal stability, chemical inertness, low surface tension, hydrophobicity, and biocompatibility, making them useful as lubricants, sealants, medical implants, electrical insulators, and in cosmetics. Silicone polymers can range from fluids and gels to elastomers and hard resins depending on the degree of crosslinking.
Key Facts
Frequently Asked Questions
Silicones are synthetic polymers consisting of repeating –Si(R₂)–O– units (siloxane backbone), where R is typically an organic group such as methyl or phenyl, giving a hybrid inorganic-organic structure. They exhibit wide thermal stability, chemical inertness, low surface tension, hydrophobicity, and biocompatibility, making them useful as lubricants, sealants, medical implants, electrical insulators, and in cosmetics. Silicone polymers can range from fluids and gels to elastomers and hard resins depending on the degree of crosslinking.