Silicones

Introduction

 The term “silicone” was coined by

F. S. Kipping (1863-1949), and refers to the
formal analogy between these silicon
compounds and the equivalent oxygen
compounds of carbon (polysilicoketones).
Silicones, or polysiloxanes
 Silicones, or polysiloxanes, are inorganic-organic
polymers with the chemical formula [R2SiO]n, where R =
organic groups such as methyl, ethyl, and phenyl.

 These materials consist of an inorganic silicon-oxygen

backbone (...-Si-O-Si-O-Si-O-...) with organic side
groups attached to the silicon atoms, which are four-
coordinate.
Silicones, or polysiloxanes
 In some cases organic side groups can be
used to link two or more of these -Si-O-
backbones together. By varying the -Si-O-
chain lengths, side groups, and crosslinking,
silicones can be synthesized with a wide
variety of properties and compositions.
 They can vary in consistency from liquid to
gel to rubber to hard plastic. The most
common type is linear polydimethylsiloxane
or PDMS
Silicones, or polysiloxanes

 Service temperature to about 260 oC

 Good chemical resistance, low water
absorption, good electrical properties, &
available in flame retardant grade
Types of Silicone Structures
 Mono-functional units - permit chain
termination
 Di-functional units - form the
backbone of macromolecular
chains and ring compounds
 Tri-functional units - produce
branched molecules and form
the basis of resins.
 Tetra-functional units - lead to
crosslinked structures similar
to silicates
 In the plumbing and automotive fields,
silicone grease is often used as a lubricant. In
plumbing, the grease is typically applied to O-
rings in faucets and valves.
 In the automotive field, silicone grease is
typically used as a lubricant for brake
components since it is stable at high
temperatures, is not water-soluble