Introduction:
Silicone is the element ranking second most ample by mass on earth. It is an essential element and is of great significance in many of our technological and biological needs. Over 90% of our earth’s crust constitutes Silicate minerals. These natural compounds of silicone do not need much distillation or purification and as a result, they are widely used in various industries. In fact, in some of the more sophisticated functions, the purity of silicone is of utmost importance.
Various industries use silicone for various different purposes. Below are some of the industries that use silicone along with their purpose:
Silicone in Electronics:
From Computer to computer chips, silicone is a part of the manufacturing of so many electronic items. Electronics and Technology industries require a good semiconductor and the atomic structure of silicone fits perfectly as a semiconductor. As it has high electrical resistance and low electrical conductivity.
Circuit breakdown may result because of even the slightest impurity therefore; silicon with high purity is used in making these semiconductors. When elements such as arsenic, boron, or phosphorous are added to silicone, it creates both negative & positive types of semiconductors. Devices like transistors, computer chips and silicon diodes, etc. use these semiconductors.
Silicone as Waterproofing material:
Due to its silicon-oxygen base, silicone rubber is a thermal-resistant waterproofing material. Therefore places that are exposed to high temperatures use silicon wax and grease.
It goes through a chemical reaction when vulcanized at room temperature to form resin in a substrate (without the presence of silica). This process helps in waterproofing heavily porous surfaces too like those of wood and /or natural stone.
Mechanical seals, caulking and moulding compounds are also examples of where silicon compounds are used.
Silicone in Aerospace:
From aeroplanes to space capsules, silicone has proved itself to be the most reliable when it comes to their safety and maintenance. Because of its flexibility, it can be moulded, shaped or bonded in various kinds of ways. Apart from being flexible, silicone is well known for its thermal resistance properties, i.e. it works excellently in high and low-temperature changes. This helps the aircraft while take-off and landing and also during harsh weather conditions at high altitudes.
Some of the most common stations and sections where silicone is in vital roles are Engine gaskets, overhead bins, window seals, moulded seals, instrumental seals in the cockpit and electrical equipment, gas turbine seals, door seals, outer window seals, cargo seals, wings, vent ducts, tail with hydraulic seals and more.
Other important and noteworthy benefits of silicone in the aerospace application are Flame repellent, reactivity to chemicals is low, low outgassing, immense non-compliance towards chemicals, water, fungus, oil and acids, and Electrical insulation.
Silicone in Human Health forms:
Human connection with silicone is on a first-hand basis when it comes to industries like food manufacturing, where silicone is used in a large variety. As compared to natural rubber, Silicone is less inconsistent and is chemically stable. In other words, we can say that silicone is a type of rubber that is cleaner and safer to use.
Silicone is needed to synthesise elastin and collagen. Hence recent studies have articulated that silicone has huge nutritional value for human beings. It especially contributes to the growth and welfare of nails, skin, hair and bones. When consumed as per suggestions from medical professionals, it can help patients suffering from osteoporosis and to women in their post-menopausal phase.
Silicone in the Medical field:
Medical grade silicones create very flexible and wearable health-monitoring devices as well as medical devices because of their specific and unique characteristic of being light and gentle to the body. This makes silicone a key component for many medical devices and health care. Silicone helps in absorbing and functionality and is therefore used in many skin medications.
Silicone materials are widely used and accepted because the process of sterilising silicone materials is very easy, which reduces the threat of bacterial infections.
Some of the examples in which medical grade silicone is used are Syringe coating, Tubing for (IVs, Pacemaker, drains, catheters, and shunts), Inside coatings for glass containers that are used for injections and medicines, breast implants, Medical equipment like – MRI Scanners, Ultrasound machines, Hearing aids, defibrillators, adhesives like plasters and tapes and many-many more.
Apart from the above-mentioned Industries, there are so many fields where silicone is widely used. Like – Construction industries, as semiconductors of intertwined circuits, interiors and exteriors of railways and automobiles and many more.
Conclusion:
To sum it up, Silicone can be used in multiple ways in various industries because of its flexibility and thermal capacities. You can now figure out how multi-purpose and efficient silicone is. In many of our previous articles, you may study more about silicone. We would be glad to have feedback from our readers. It helps us to give better output every time when we get connected to our viewers. Keep viewing and stay connected with us.