Silicone Oil uses in different Product and Industries

Silicone oil is probably one of the most fascinating chemicals we have today and all the buzz around the benefits of silicone oil is real.

Let’s have a closer look here to understand more about silicone oil and see how we can get more out of it:

WHAT IS SILICONE OIL?

Silicone oil consists of a linear chain of Polysiloxane with alternating silicone and oxygen atoms. The silicone atoms each have two spots to bond with carbon groups like methyl. Various polymers, such as Polydimethylsiloxane, can be synthesized from it, influencing the physical and chemical properties of silicone oils.

It is a colorless, tasteless, and odorless substance available in both liquid and semi-solid states, contingent on the degree of polymerization. Its large compression ratio provides high thermodynamic efficiency, making it ideal as a hydraulic fluid. Silicone oil's low viscosity-temperature coefficient (meaning its viscosity doesn't significantly change with temperature) makes it an excellent lubricant. Its lower surface tension allows it to spread easily, justifying its use in cosmetics for even application and in various products as a defoamer and release agent. Additionally, silicone oil maintains stability at high temperatures (up to 250°C), making it valuable in high-temperature systems.

Due to its heat resistance, silicone oil is used in lab research apparatus. Notably, it also withstands low temperatures, with Dimethyl silicone oil bearing temperatures as low as -50°C and Methylphenyl silicone oil remaining fluid even at -65°C, making silicone oil refrigerants suitable for cold climates. Its low thermal conductivity (25% of water's) and stable viscosity above 100 mm²/s make it an efficient heat transfer or insulating material. The water-repellent characteristics of silicone fluid are beneficial in the textile and coating industries. Silicone oil also exhibits high resistance to stress, unlike mineral oils, whose viscosity changes under stress. For instance, silicone oils with viscosity below 1000 mm²/s show minimal viscosity change under stress, while higher viscosity oils can recover their original viscosity after stress. These properties make silicone oil superior to petroleum-based oils, despite its poor lubrication for steel-to-steel friction, though it still functions well for steel-aluminum or steel-bronze machinery. Silicone oil's resistance to radiation, especially with phenyl groups, makes Methylphenyl silicone oil effective in radiation equipment. Just as its viscosity remains stable, its electrical properties do too, making it excellent at handling dielectric breakdown, an issue with most mineral oils. However, since silicone oil can absorb moisture affecting its insulating properties, it must be dehydrated before electrical use.

We have discussed the significant characteristics of silicone oil. Let's delve into how this incredible fluid is incorporated into various aspects of our lives.

IS SILICONE OIL SAFE FOR HUMANS?

As we know, Silicone oil is tasteless and colorless.

Does that mean it can be a perfect homicidal substance? Fortunately, it is not because it is not known to be a toxic substance. It is one of the beneficial chemical entities for the human body as it has found its way into various medical procedures. Also, silicone oil is used in a lot of cosmetic products which are applied directly on the skin, so silicone is also known to be beneficial for the skin. Certain drugs also include silicone oil as a basic component or as a vital ingredient for their desirous actions.

A detailed discussion of the medical uses of silicone fluid is given below in one of the paragraphs.