[Chemical Knowledge]：The nature, use, upstream and downstream raw materials, storage methods of silicone rubber, what is the main component of silicone rubber

Silicone rubber properties

Silicone rubber is a kind of elastic material with silicon-oxygen bond (Si-O) as the main chain structure, which has excellent physical and chemical properties. Silicone rubber has excellent heat resistance and can maintain its elasticity and stability in the temperature range of -60 ℃ to 250 ℃, so that it can still work effectively in high temperature environment. Its aging resistance and weather resistance are outstanding, and it is not easy to degrade when exposed to ultraviolet rays, ozone and other atmospheric factors for a long time. Silicone rubber also has excellent electrical insulation and chemical resistance, and can be used in many harsh chemical environments without being corroded by acids, alkalis and salts.

Silicone rubber use

Due to the excellent performance of silicone rubber, it has been widely used in many industries. In the field of electronic and electrical, silicone rubber is often used to make insulating materials, cable joints and seals to ensure the safe and stable operation of equipment. In the medical industry, silicone rubber is widely used in the manufacture of medical tubes, catheters, seals, etc. because of its non-toxic, odorless and good biocompatibility. Silicone rubber is also used for seals, gaskets and hoses in the aerospace and automotive industries to cope with extreme temperatures and complex working environments. In daily necessities such as kitchen utensils and baby products, silicone rubber is also common, such as silicone pads, bottle pacifiers, etc.

Silicone rubber upstream and downstream raw materials

The production of silicone rubber depends on the supply of a variety of raw materials upstream and downstream. Upstream raw materials mainly include metal silicon, methanol, chlorine and other silicone intermediates. Metal silicon is made by electric furnace smelting quartz sand and carbonaceous reducing agent, and the supply and price fluctuations of these raw materials will directly affect the production cost of silicone rubber. Methylchlorosilane is an important intermediate in the preparation of silicone rubber, which is produced by the reaction of methanol and chlorine. The downstream raw materials involve various additives, such as plasticizers, catalysts, fillers and pigments, which can adjust the performance of silicone rubber to meet the needs of different applications.

Silicone rubber storage method

The storage of silicone rubber requires certain environmental conditions to ensure that its performance is not affected. Silicone rubber should be stored in a dry and cool environment, avoid direct sunlight and high temperature to prevent material aging and performance degradation. Silicone rubber should be kept away from strong acids, alkalis and other chemicals to prevent chemical reactions from causing material deterioration. When storing, it is also necessary to avoid heavy pressure and mechanical damage to prevent the silicone rubber from deforming or cracking. Silicone rubber products should be checked regularly during storage to ensure that their appearance and performance have not changed significantly, especially after long-term storage, and necessary performance testing before use.

Silicone rubber market status and development prospects

In recent years, the market demand for silicone rubber has grown steadily, especially in high-tech fields such as electronics, automobiles and medical care. With the miniaturization and high performance of electronic products, the demand for high temperature stability and electrical insulation properties of silicone rubber is increasing. In the automotive industry, the development of new energy vehicles has also driven the demand for high-performance silicone rubber materials for the manufacture of battery seals and high-temperature cables. With the improvement of people's health concerns in the medical industry, the application of silicone rubber in medical equipment and consumables is becoming more and more extensive.

In the future, with the continuous emergence of new technologies and the emphasis on environmental protection, the research and development of silicone rubber materials will develop in the direction of higher performance and more environmental protection. The mechanical properties and functional properties of new silicone rubber composites can be further improved by nanotechnology modification and synthesis. The development of recycling and recycling technology will help reduce the environmental impact of silicone rubber production and promote its application in more fields.

Silicone rubber industry chain challenges and opportunities

The silicone rubber industry chain is facing some challenges, such as upstream raw material price fluctuations, technical barriers and environmental pressure. These challenges also bring new opportunities. Through technological innovation, improving production efficiency and reducing costs can enhance the competitiveness of enterprises in the market. With the increasing global demand for green materials, the development of environmentally friendly silicone rubber materials will become an important way for enterprises to achieve sustainable development. Policy support and changes in market demand have also brought more development opportunities for the silicone rubber industry, especially in emerging markets and high-end applications, companies can achieve long-term development through strategic layout and technology research and development.

Conclusion

With its excellent performance, silicone rubber has shown a wide range of applications in many industries. Although the production process faces raw material price fluctuations and technical challenges, the silicone rubber industry will continue to grow through technological innovation and market demand. In the future development, enterprises should seize the opportunity of environmental protection and high-performance materials, improve the technical level, open up new markets, and achieve sustainable development. The diversified application of silicone rubber and the continuous growth of market demand show its broad prospects and unlimited possibilities.