Question

What are silicones? Write any five uses of silicones.

Answer 1

Silicones: Silicones are the substances which are formed by the joining of a large number of units (i.e. polymers) containing Silicon (Si) along with Carbon (C), Hydrogen (H) and Oxygen (O).

• Silicones are very important in the commercial sense because of their properties.

Uses of Silicones:

1. They are used to construct and maintain aircraft and spacecrafts because silicones have high thermal stability and low chemical reactivity.
2. They make a safe choice for cookware due to low toxicity and non-stick surface which is convenient to clean.
3. They are used to make sealants and adhesives which helps to make the construction process effective and long lasting as silicones are water repelling in nature.
4. Silicones are a preferred choice for ignition cables, radiator seals, spark plugs etc. in automobiles because they have both electrically insulation and conductive properties.
5. Silicones are used to make airbags, hydraulic bearings and other automobile parts.