Dec. 01, 2019
Silicone, in literal terms, refers to a highly porous solid silica material with a significant specific area. This amorphous substance is known for its exceptional adsorption capabilities, making it a highly sought-after material in various industries. Compared to similar materials, silicone boasts several advantages, including its stable chemical properties that prevent reactions with any substance except strong bases and strong acids. Additionally, it exhibits excellent thermal stability and higher mechanical strength, making it a reliable material for various applications. Its high adsorption performance further makes it ideal for use in desiccants, catalysts, and other products that require efficient adsorption.
Silicone can be classified into various types based on different criteria. Firstly, silicone can be divided into four categories: large-pore silica gel, B-type silica gel, coarse-pore silica gel, and fine-pore silica gel. Additionally, silicone can also be classified based on its composition and shape. Extruded silicone and molded silicone are two categories that differ in their composition and shape. Finally, organic and inorganic silicone can be classified based on their properties and composition. Organic silicone is composed of organic materials, while inorganic silicone is made up of inorganic materials.
Understanding the different types of silicone is crucial in choosing the appropriate type for specific applications. Each type has unique properties that make it suitable for different uses. Therefore, it is important to choose the right type of silicone to ensure optimal performance and efficiency.
Organic silicone finds its primary application in specialized materials and construction of cutting-edge technology, aviation, military technology departments, electronics, automobiles, machinery, chemical light industry, medicine, and medical equipment. On the other hand, inorganic silicone is predominantly used as a desiccant, catalyst carrier, and matting agent.
The unique properties of silicone products, such as their toughness and elasticity, make them highly resistant to deformation due to external forces. Moreover, they are non-toxic and tasteless, making them safe for use in the human body. This makes silicone products a popular choice in various industries where safety and durability are paramount. Its versatility and wide range of applications make silicone one of the most sought-after materials in modern technology and manufacturing.
We usually mistakenly think that silica gel is a kind of rubber. In fact, this is wrong. The main ingredients of silica gel are extracted from silica (such as silicone oil, white carbon black), while the raw materials of rubber are extracted from resin. silicone is more expensive and more environmentally friendly than rubber.
Silicone and rubber are often confused, but they are actually quite different. While many people mistakenly believe that silicone is a type of rubber, this is not the case. The main components of silicone are derived from silicone, such as silicone oil and white carbon black. On the other hand, rubber is made from resin.
One notable difference between silicone and rubber is their cost. Silicone tends to be more expensive than rubber. This is due to the higher production costs associated with extracting and processing silica gel. Additionally, the raw materials used in the production of silicone are typically more expensive than those used in rubber manufacturing.
Another important distinction between silicone and rubber lies in their environmental impact. Silicone is generally considered to be more environmentally friendly than rubber. This is because silicone is derived from silica, which is a naturally occurring mineral. In contrast, rubber is made from resin, which is derived from petroleum or other synthetic sources. The extraction and processing of petroleum can have negative environmental effects, making rubber less eco-friendly compared to silicone.
Overall, silicone is a versatile material with many benefits that make it an essential component in various industrial processes.
