Silicone parts are widely used due to their resistance to chemical degradation and high temperatures. China is a leading manufacturer of silicone parts, with other countries also producing them. Silicone is not derived from organic petroleum like synthetic rubber. The construction industry consumes 40% of silicone produced, followed by the automotive and electrical industries. New silicone grades are being developed, including oil-free self-lubricating elastomers and UV-active silicone parts.
Silicone parts are used in a wide variety of commercial and industrial products due to the general properties of silicone compounds, which are the ability to resist chemical degradation from corrosive agents and high temperatures, and their soft and pliable nature. Everything from automotive engine seals, children’s toys, contact lenses, lubricants and a wide range of medical implants and mechanical and electrical parts are made with silicone parts. China is one of the world’s leading manufacturers of silicone parts for the construction, electrical, cosmetic and textile industries, producing 480,000 tons of silicone monomers in 2009 and recording a 30% annual increase in demand for silicone-based products from 2002 to 2008 .
Other domestic locations for silicone compound manufacturing include Japan, the United States, European nations such as the Netherlands, Taiwan, Korea, and Singapore. Initially, manufacturers produce a low molecular weight monomer composed of silicon, carbon, hydrogen and oxygen. These silicone products are then refined into various forms of high molecular weight polymers with varying physical properties. While silicones range from oily form to gel or flexible plastic form, they are not derived from organic petroleum like synthetic rubber, which is a major compound used in many of the same applications as silicone.
The development of silicone and synthetic rubber compounds was pioneered by English chemist Frederick Stanley Kipping in the late 1800s and early 1900s. Kipping was responsible for creating the term “silicone.” His work kickstarted an industry that produced 1.5 million tons of silicone parts worldwide in 2008, growing to 2.32 million tons in 2015, valued at $4.17 billion. US (USD).
The construction industry consumes about 40% of the silicone produced, including everything from paints and resins to insulating materials and high-temperature linings for ovens and fireplaces. The automotive industry consumes approximately 15% of the material for silicone parts, with approximately 540,000 tons used to produce silicone gaskets and other automotive parts. Electrical and electronic products use 13% of silicone worldwide, and medical products are the single largest user for the remainder.
New silicone grades under development include oil-free self-lubricating elastomers for moisture protection in electronics. Silicone products that can withstand high voltage currents without breaking are also being developed. In addition, UV-active silicone parts are now being produced which can reduce energy costs in electrical circuits, as well as flame retardant silicone rubber to suppress electrical fires as well.
Protect your devices with Threat Protection by NordVPN
