[Chemical Knowledge]：Properties, uses, upstream and downstream raw materials and storage methods of silicone oil

Silicone oil properties

Silicone oil (Silicone Oil) is a synthetic compound consisting of a siloxane (Siloxane) chain. Its main component is polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS), and the molecular formula is (CHY3) LIX SiO [CHY3) ₂] Si (CHY3). Silicone oils have unique physical and chemical properties, including high viscosity index, low vapor pressure, good thermal stability, excellent electrical insulation and physiological inertness. These properties make silicone oil stable under a variety of extreme conditions and not easily oxidized or degraded. Its wide range of viscosity, from low viscosity liquid to high viscosity paste, there are different models to choose from.

Silicone oil use

Silicone oil is widely used in many industries because of its unique properties. Here are some of the main application areas:

Medicine and Beauty

The application of silicone oil in the pharmaceutical and beauty industry is mainly reflected in its use as a lubricant, filler and protective agent. Medical silicone oil is often used for retinal reattachment in ophthalmic surgery and for the lubrication of medical devices. In the cosmetic field, silicone oils are used in cosmetic formulations to provide a silky touch, moisturizing and protective function.

Industrial Applications

In industry, silicone oil is widely used in lubricating oil, hydraulic oil, insulating oil, release agent and anti-foaming agent. Its high temperature stability and good lubricity make it an ideal choice for mechanical equipment and molds. Silicone oil is also used in textile finishing and leather treatment to improve the softness and gloss of products.

Electronic appliances

Silicone oil is commonly used as coolant, insulating material and moisture-proof agent in the electronic and electrical industry. Due to its excellent electrical insulation properties and thermal stability, silicone oil can effectively protect electronic components from high temperature and moisture damage, and improve the reliability and service life of the equipment.

Silicone oil upstream and downstream raw materials

Upstream raw materials

The main upstream raw materials for silicone oil are silica (SiO₂), methyl chlorosilane (CHY3 SiCl3) and ethyl chlorosilane (C₂ H∞SiCl3). During the production process, silicone oils of different chain lengths and viscosities are generated by hydrolysis and polymerization of methyl chlorosilanes. Silica through high temperature reduction and chlorination reaction to produce methyl chlorosilane, and then after purification and separation, to obtain high purity monomer, for the subsequent polymerization reaction to provide raw materials.

Downstream Products

The downstream products of silicone oil involve many industries, including medicine, cosmetics, automobile manufacturing, electronic appliances and textile processing. Specific products such as lubricants, cosmetic emulsions, insulating oils, release agents, anti-foaming agents and textile softeners. With the progress of science and technology and the expansion of application fields, the downstream products of silicone oil are increasing, and the market demand is also increasing year by year.

Silicone oil storage method

The storage of silicone oil needs to consider its chemical properties and application environment. Here are some key storage methods and considerations:

Storage Environment

Silicone oil should be stored in a dry, well-ventilated environment, avoid direct sunlight and high temperature environment. The best storage temperature is 5-25 ℃, and the humidity is controlled below 50%. Because silicone oil is sensitive to moisture, it needs to be protected from moisture during storage to avoid affecting its quality and performance.

Packaging requirements

Silicone oil is usually stored in a well-sealed plastic or metal bucket. In order to prevent silicone oil from contacting with air, the packaging container must have a good seal and minimize the number of openings during use. For long-term storage of silicone oil, the integrity of the packaging should be checked regularly to prevent air leakage or moisture.

Safety measures

Although silicone oil has good chemical stability, it is still necessary to pay attention to safety during storage and use. The storage area shall be equipped with emergency equipment such as fire extinguishers to prevent safety accidents caused by fire. In the process of storage and use, contact with corrosive substances such as strong acid and strong alkali should be avoided to avoid chemical reaction leading to deterioration of silicone oil.

future development trend

The future development trend of silicone oil market is mainly reflected in the development of new application fields and technological progress. With the development of science and technology, silicone oil has broad application prospects in the fields of new materials, new energy and biomedicine. For example, in new energy vehicles, the application of silicone oil as a coolant and lubricant will further expand, driving its market demand growth. The concept of environmental protection and sustainable development will promote the improvement of silicone oil production technology, reduce energy consumption and environmental pollution in the production process, and realize green production.

Summary

Because of its excellent physical and chemical properties, silicone oil is widely used in many fields such as medicine, industry and electronic appliances. Its upstream and downstream industrial chain is complete, covering all links from basic raw materials such as silica to high value-added end products. In terms of storage, it is necessary to pay attention to the requirements of the environment and packaging to ensure the quality and performance of silicone oil. In the future, with the continuous expansion of new application fields and technological progress, the silicone oil market will usher in more development opportunities and show broad market prospects.