Classification of Silicones

Organic silicone is mainly divided into three categories with silicone rubber, silicone resin, silane coupling agent and silicone fluid. 

Silicone rubber is mainly divided into room temperature vulcanized silicone rubber and high temperature vulcanized silicone rubber. Room temperature vulcanized silicone rubber (RTV) is a new type of silicone elastomer introduced in the 1960s. The most prominent feature of this rubber is that it can be cured in place without heating at room temperature, which is extremely convenient to use. Therefore, it has become an important part of the whole organic silicone products. RTV silicone rubber has been widely used as adhesives, sealants, protective coatings, potting and molding materials, in all walks of life.

Silicone resin is a highly crosslinking structure of thermosetting polysiloxane polymer, which has the dual characteristics of both organic resin and inorganic materials and it has unique physical and chemical properties. Besides, it has a very good electrical insulation properties, temperature and waterproof effect. Silicone resin has better weather resistance than conventional organic resins. Therefore, it’s an idea material in the temperature, heat and wet treatment of the protective surface coatings.

Silicone fluid is a kind of polyorganosiloxane with different degree of polymerization chain structure. Silicone fluid has excellent heat resistance, electrical insulation, weather resistance, hydrophobicity, physiological inertia and small surface tension. In addition, silicone fluid has many special properties, such as oxidation resistance, high flash point, low volatility, no corrosion to metal, non-toxic and so on.