Silicone oil
Silicone oil is made up of chains of silicon and oxygen atoms that form a very strong backbone. This structural stability allows it to retain its viscosity, even under very harsh conditions. Silicone oil is divided into two main groups: methyl and modified silicone oil. These polymers are very interesting for use in multiple industrial sectors because of their excellent behavioural stability. Silicone oil is produced in a wide variety of viscosities, ranging from liquid oils to rubbery semi-solids. AITANA CHEMICALS guarantees its clients the supply of silicone oil adapted to the viscosity required for each industry and application.
If you use silicone oil in your production processes, here are the keys to selecting the most suitable one for your particular application.
Characteristics of silicone oil
Like all the siloxanes, the backbone of this polymer is based on silicon atoms and alternating oxygens. In the family of silicone oils, by far the most widely used silicon-based organic polymer is polydimethylsiloxane (PMDS). Polydimethylsiloxane (PMDS) is the linear polymer of dimethylsiloxane. It is a clear liquid generally inert, non-toxic and non-flammable.
The PDMS molecule has flexible polymer chains due to its siloxane bonds. These bonds are analogous to the ether bonds in polyurethane and give it elasticity. The flexible chains become loosely entangled when the molecular mass is high, which gives PDMS a high level of viscoelasticity. This means that at high temperatures or high flow times, it acts like a viscous, honey-like liquid. However, at low temperatures or short flow times, it behaves like an elastic solid. Similar to rubber.
Benefits of using silicone oil
Compared to other types of synthetic fluids, silicon oil ensures an enormous stability of its viscosity under varying temperature conditions or shear stresses. This makes it highly trustworthy and consistent fluid for many different applications. This outstanding viscosity stability of silicone oil is the main reason why it is widely used in a multitude of industrial and commercial applications. Even under changing temperature conditions or increased shear stress, silicone oil retains its stable viscosity. This distinguishing feature means that in applications where precise control of fluid properties is critical, silicone oil ensures stable performance and reliability.
Silicone oil applications
Apart from all the above properties, silicone oil is also characterised by its adhesive properties, elasticity, resistance to bacteria, microbes, ultraviolet rays, high surface tension, resistance to thermal changes and the passage of time.
Their applications are very varied and range from:
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- preventive foams
- defoamers
- lubricants
- cosmetics and skin preparations: its lubricating properties facilitate brushing and soften the skin. This lubrication provided by the silicone oil facilitates the application of the cream on the skin. Silicone oil, in this type of formulation, forms a film on the surface to which it is applied, whether it is our hair or skin, which protects it from aggressive agents such as cold. Particularly in skin products, this barrier also stops moisture from escaping, so it acts as a humectant.
- contact lenses and medical devices
- pharmaceutical industry: where dosage and formulation accuracy are extremely important. The viscosity stability of silicone oils ensures accurate metering and consistent product performance.
- other
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AITANA CHEMICALS - distribution of chemicals for specific processes
Our high technical profile and the experience acquired in important projects, allows us to offer the necessary technical support to all our clients choosing the most suitable raw materials for their processes. Depending on the specific needs and characteristics of the production process and the final product designed, we offer our clients the appropriate raw materials, both to develop new technologies and to implement more complex products. One of our most important developments in the industry are our mould release solutions based on semi-permanent water-based release agents.
Conclusion
Silicone oil is a high-level viscoelasticity polymer used in many industrial sectors. Its unique properties, such as viscosity stability at high temperatures or shear strength, make it a highly appreciated product in many sectors and applications. AITANA CHEMICALS supplies its clients with silicone oils adapted to the viscosity suitable for any production process.
Our high technical profile and the close collaboration with our strategic partners, allows us to offer the necessary technical support to our clients to choose the most suitable raw materials for their processes. If you have any specific need related to the use of silicone oil in your production process, please do not hesitate to contact us.