Silicones at the interface
You are surrounded by interfaces and interfacial phenomena every day – when
you shampoo your hair, shake up your salad dressing, wash your clothes, paint
the trim on your house, wear contact lenses, put on a bandage, or apply a
postage stamp.
All these familiar objects have interfaces that are designed and controlled
through interfacial science and technology.
Optimizing material boundaries
An interface is the boundary between two non-miscible (non-mixable)
materials. There are five kinds of interfaces, and silicones have demonstrated
their usefulness in all of them:
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Liquid/gas
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Liquid/liquid
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Liquid/solid
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Solid/solid
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Solid/gas
Surface and interface applications for silicones
Because of their dual, organic-inorganic nature, polarity, and other unique
physical and
chemical properties, silicones and silanes can influence the way interfaces
behave. Their influence can be stabilizing or destabilizing, depending on the
application.
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Some silicones are applied directly to the surface or interface in the form
of sealants, films, or coatings.
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Others work as integral additives that diffuse or travel to the interface
when needed.
Here is a tiny sample of the thousands of surface applications for silicones
and silanes.
Follow the links to read related application and success stories.
| Interface Type | Silicone or Silane Application |
|
Liquid/Gas
 |
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Evaporation retardant
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Defoaming agent
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Polyurethane foam stabilizer
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Foam stabilizer for shaving cream
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Foam preventative for instant iced tea mix
-
Antifoam/defoaming agent for antiflatulent/antacid formulations
|
|
Liquid/Liquid
 |
-
Emulsion polymer coalescence aid
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Silicone fluid emulsifier
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Crude-oil demulsifier
-
Compatibilizer for topical creams, ointments and lotions
|
|
Liquid/Solid
 |
-
Pigment dispersant for color cosmetics
-
Emollient for topical medications
-
Furniture polish
-
Silicone
bakeware
-
Coolant-compatible
radiator assembly gasket
-
Encapsulant for LED semiconductor chip
-
Masonry
water-repellent treatment
-
Paint gloss enhancer
-
Dewatering aid
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Drainage aid for wood pulp washing
-
Foliar nutrient wetting/spreading aid
|
|
Solid/Solid
 |
-
Silicone pressure-sensitive adhesive (PSA)
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Marine
antifouling coating
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Release liner for organic PSA
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Mold release spray
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Integral plastics release agent
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Adhesion promoter for latex caulk
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Filler treatment for silica-reinforced
“green” tires
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Anti-caking aid for cosmetic powders
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Fiber lubricant
-
Silicone coating system for latex catheters to increase patient
comfort
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Metal-to-plastic industrial lubricant
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Silicone structural glazing sealant
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Impact-resistant textile coating
|
|
Solid/Gas
 |
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Skin care and hair care products
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Wool anti-static treatment
-
Electrical insulator coating
|
Silicone emulsifiers – a case in
point
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An emulsion is a stable mixture of two incompatible materials, like oil and
water, or water and air. Silicone surfactants – organically modified silicone
polymers with a hydrophilic (water-loving) "head" and a hydrophobic
(water-fearing) "tail" – are able to engulf and stabilize droplets of
one material within the other. Learn more about how silicone surfactants work.
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