Silicone fluids – types and uses
Types of silicone fluids
Silicone fluids are as diverse as snowflakes. They range from liquids
thinner than water to gums as thick as chewing gum.
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Depending on how they are engineered, silicone fluids can be:
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Volatile methylsiloxanes (VMS) or non-volatile
polydimethylsiloxanes (PDMS)
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Reactive or non-reactive
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With a wide range of organic and inorganic
functionalities
But they all have one thing in common – the ability to flow!
Learn about the structure
and properties of silicone fluids.
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Did you know ... many silicone
fluids can be recycled!
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Uses for silicone fluids and gums
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Base materials for silicone lubricants, sealants, adhesives, resins, and
elastomers/rubbers
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Mixed with other ingredients to form emulsions, dispersions, greases,
compounds, free-flowing powders, and thermoplastic pellets
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Formulation ingredients for cosmetics and personal care products,
automobile and furniture polishes, pharmaceuticals, healthcare products, and
textile finishes
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Problem-solving additives for paints and inks
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Coolants for electrical systems, heat transfer fluids, dielectric fluids in
power transformers, hydraulic fluids, damping liquids, diffusion pump oils, and
thermo-stable lubricants
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Surfactants, antifoams, industrial cleaners, and release agents for
chemical and durable goods manufacturing
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Did you know ... in the United States, volatile methylsiloxane
fluids are exempt from volatile organic compound (VOC) regulations and can be
used in place of regulated solvents to make formulations safer for people and
the environment!
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Visit the silicone
showcase to see the benefits silicone fluids bring to a wide range of
industries.
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Did you know ... silicone gums may appear to be solid, but
they are really ultra-high-viscosity fluids. No matter how solid they “pretend”
to be, they will eventually
spread out and conform to the shape
of their container!
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