Which Domains Can Utilize Polydimethylsiloxane?

Polydimethylsiloxane, also known as dimethyl silicone oil, is a hydrophobic organic silicon material. It is a colorless or light yellow liquid with the following structural formula:

It has high transparency with a light transmittance of 100%, and it has properties such as heat resistance, cold resistance, low viscosity change with temperature, waterproofness, low surface tension, thermal conductivity with a coefficient of 0.134-0.159W/M*K, physiological inertness, and good chemical stability. It is electrically insulating, weather resistant, hydrophobic, and has high shear resistance. It can be used for a long time at temperatures ranging from -50℃ to 200℃. Today, let's understand together the applications of polydimethylsiloxane.

Application of Polydimethylsiloxane in Skincare and Cosmetics

Polydimethylsiloxane has found widespread applications in cosmetics, skincare products, personal care items, and hair care products, as outlined below:

• Non-toxic, odorless, and tasteless: It doesn't affect the appearance or fragrance of the final product and doesn't cause irritation or allergies on the skin.

• Excellent spreadability and lightweight texture: Medium viscosity methylsilicone oil used in various skin care products can enhance their spreadability on the skin and offer protective effects.

• Hydrophobic and smooth properties: Hair care products formulated with silicone oil, such as hair oils, waxes, and mousses, can facilitate easy styling of hair at any temperature. They can also effectively prevent external humidity from penetrating the hair or imbalance in moisture evaporation.

• Good UV radiation resistance: It doesn't undergo oxidation or deterioration under UV rays, making it non-irritating to the skin. It doesn't get washed away due to swimming or sweating, offering effective protection against UV radiation.

• Skin-friendly and high safety: It's non-irritating to the skin and highly safe for the human body. It also shows some efficacy in treating certain skin conditions such as hyperhidrosis-type eczema and occupational dermatitis.

• Good gas permeability and anti-static properties: Applying skincare creams containing polydimethylsiloxane eliminates static electricity from the skin. It exhibits anti-dust effects and good breathability, and even if it forms a silicone film on the skin, it doesn't hinder sweat discharge or skin respiration.

• Chemical stability: It doesn't react with other cosmetic ingredients. Foundations with added silicone oil can protect the skin from pigments and solvent damage.

Application of Polydimethylsiloxane in the Automotive Industry

Polydimethylsiloxane's viscosity-temperature properties, wide viscosity range, heat stability, and compressibility have led to its extensive use in various automotive internal and external applications, including:

• Brake fluid: Automotive brake fluid is formulated using lower viscosity methylsilicone oil (20mPa·s) as a base.

• Damping oil: Damping oils for cooling fans in automotive engines have been put to practical use. They improve component performance, reduce resistance and wear, and extend system life.

• Adhesive enhancer: It can be used as a glass fiber reinforcement and adhesive enhancer. It enhances the bonding between glass fiber and resin, significantly improving the mechanical properties of reinforced plastics. It's employed in the production and maintenance of adhesive sealing materials for automotive windows, door and window frames, rearview mirrors, exhaust pipes, and equipment susceptible to water splashing.

Application of Polydimethylsiloxane in the Electromechanical Industry

Polydimethylsiloxane is a transparent, colorless, odorless, tasteless, and non-toxic oily liquid. It possesses characteristics such as high flash point, low freezing point, good thermal stability, and resistance to high and low temperatures. It is widely used for insulation, lubrication, shock absorption, dust prevention, dielectric fluids, and heat carriers. Some typical applications are as follows:

• Temperature Resistance, Arc Resistance, Corrosion Resistance, Moisture Resistance, Dust Prevention, and Insulation:Applied in motors, electrical appliances, electronic instruments, transformers, capacitors, and impregnants for scanning transformers in televisions.

• Shock Absorption and Damping:Stabilizes instrument readings in various precision machinery, instruments, and gauges.

• Vibration Absorption:Frequently used in instruments subjected to strong mechanical vibrations and significant changes in ambient temperature, such as aircraft and automotive instruments.

• Liquid Springs:Utilized in aircraft landing gear systems.