The Many Uses of Liquid Silicone
Silicone is a highly versatile material that can be utilized in a number of different applications. Its flexibility, stability, transparency, non-conductive electricity, fast curing capacity and high heat resistance make it an incredibly valuable material to use in a variety of products. One of the most recognizable uses for this material is the iPhone case. This is due to the fact that it provides protection, durability and aesthetic appeal for the device.
The main ingredient in liquid silicone is silica. This is the primary element in sand, so it is not surprising to know that silicone is made from this natural mineral. The chemical composition of silicone makes it resistant to a variety of chemicals including oils, solvents, acids and bases. This means that it is safe to be used in items that come into contact with foods and medical devices. This makes it a popular choice for kitchen items such as baking pans, cupcake liners and rubber spatulas as well as medical products like baby bottle nipples, bandages and dressings.
Liquid silicone is also a good insulator, which means that it can insulate wires and data cables. It can also be used to create seals that will keep out water, dirt and debris. In addition to being an insulator, silicone is also flexible and can withstand a large amount of shear stress. This means that it can be used to create flexible ice cube trays, or to make flexible electrical connectors. Silicone is also often encased electronic components to protect them against mechanical and electrical shock, radiation and vibration, a process called potting.
The flexibility of silicone means that it can be molded into a wide variety of shapes. This is done by injection molding, a method where room temperature liquid silicone is injected into and cured in a mold. This is the inverse of the way thermoplastic elastomers are molded, where plastic pellets are melted into hot liquid and then pressed into a mold. The injection molding process results in clean, consistent parts.
Another important property of liquid silicone is that it has a low compression set, meaning that it can resist permanent deformation under a constant strain. This means that it is an excellent lubricant for a wide range of mechanisms. It is commonly used to lubricate bicycle chains, airsoft gun parts and a variety of other mechanisms. It is also a popular personal lubricant for sexual activity and other medical procedures.
The fast curing properties of silicone mean that it can be manufactured quickly with automated equipment in large quantities. This allows for fast production of iPhone cases and other consumer electronics. This type of manufacturing is more cost-effective than traditional methods that involve making a solid piece from a polyurethane or epoxy resin. Other advantages of silicone include its resistance to abrasion and corrosion, its ability to be painted, its resistance to ultraviolet rays and its thermal stability. It is also radio-opaque, which can be beneficial in some medical applications such as wound drains and catheters. silicone liquid