Silicone

Silicone resins are a type of silicone material which is formed by branched, cage-like oligosiloxanes with the general formula of RnSiXmOy, where R is a non reactive substituent, usually Me or Ph, and X is a functional group H, OH, Cl or OR. These groups are further condensed in many applications, to give highly crosslinked, insoluble polysiloxane networks.

As a low-taint, non-toxic material, silicone can be used where contact with food is required. Silicone is becoming an important product in the cookware industry, particularly bakeware (such as Molds for chocolate, ice, cookies, muffins and various other foods) and kitchen utensils where it is used as a non-stick coating.

Silicone is used as an insulator in heat-resistant potholders and similar items; however, it is more conductive of heat than similar less dense fiber-based products. Silicone oven mitts are able to withstand temperatures up to 260 °C (500 °F), allowing reaching into boiling water.

Silicone films can be applied to such silica-based substrates as glass to form a covalently-bonded hydrophobic coating.

Many fabrics can be coated or impregnated with silicone to form a strong, waterproof composite.

Key Characteristics of Silicone:

  • Good thermal properties
  • Good non-stick properties
  • High temperature resistance

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