What is silicone?

The main raw material is silicon (Si), which is the second most abundant element in the earth’s crust, after oxygen. Silicon does not occur as a single element in nature; it is often found combined with oxygen in the form of silica. Silica is reduced to produce silicon metal, which is reacted with other compounds to produce silicon? a synthetic resin that has both organic and inorganic properties.

Silicones consist of a backbone of alternating silicon and oxygen atoms called siloxane (Si-O-Si) bonds, to which various organic groups are attached. Silicones are resistant to high and low temperatures, resist degradation by UV rays, repel water, and exhibit a variety of other characteristics. Furthermore, they are produced in many forms including silicone fluids, plastics, liquid rubber, and solid rubber. Silicones play an important role in practically all sectors including the electronics industry, the transportation industry, chemicals, textiles, food, cosmetics and the construction industry.