Understanding “Polydimethylsiloxane” in One Article

Understanding “Polydimethylsiloxane” in One Article
Polydimethylsiloxane is a polymer silicone compound, often referred to as silicone. It is optically transparent and, in general, is considered inert, non-toxic and non-flammable.
Polydimethylsiloxane is the most widely used silicone-based organic polymer material, with applications in microfluidic systems in bio-microelectromechanics, caulking, lubricants, contact lenses.

Organic silicone oil; hard foam silicone oil; leveling agent; polysiloxane; methyl silicone oil; dimethyl silicone oil; dimethyl polysiloxane; dimethyl silicone oil
Main application
Commonly used as high-grade lubricant, anti-vibration oil, insulating oil, defoamer, mold release agent, polishing agent and vacuum diffusion pump oil.
In various kinds of silicone oil, methyl silicone oil is the most widely used, is the most important varieties of silicone oil, followed by methyl phenyl silicone oil.
In addition, there are ethyl silicone oil, methyl phenyl silicone oil, nitrile silicone oil and so on. Various functional silicone oils and modified silicone oils are mainly used for special purposes.
Application of polydimethylsiloxane in life

Cosmetics
Polydimethylsiloxane has good lubricating performance, it can form a layer of uniform protective film with waterproof after applying to the skin, but it doesn’t have any viscous and greasy feeling, and it has good luster.
Good performance of anti-ultraviolet radiation: it will not oxidize and deteriorate under ultraviolet rays and cause skin irritation.
Good anti-static properties: Tests have shown that the static electricity of the skin rubbed with polysiloxane skin cream is all eliminated, and there is an obvious dustproof effect.
Good air permeability: even if the formation of silicone film on the skin does not affect the sweat discharge.
It has a slow-release role in the fragrance and flavors, and thus has a longer fragrance retention period of high stability, chemical inertia, other components of cosmetics, especially the active ingredients do not have any adverse effects on the matching of good.
Non-toxic, odorless, tasteless, will not cause skin irritation and allergies, high security, certain skin diseases have certain therapeutic effects, such as sweating difficulties type eczema neurodermatitis and occupational dermatitis.

Electrical appliances
Polydimethylsiloxane, can be used in electrical and electronic industry, such as electronic plugs.
Leather products
Polydimethylsiloxane can be used in fiber, leather: water repellent agent, softener, feel improvement agent, defoamer in dyeing industry, lubrication of sewing thread. The emulsion can be applied to fatliquorize leather, thus enhancing its hydrophobicity, softness and comfort. It can be used to treat leather surfaces to improve abrasion resistance, water resistance and mold release.
Brightener
Dimethicone, suitable for use as a brightener component in automotive, furniture, footwear, cement products, etc., including automotive brighteners, foam furniture cleaners, vinyl roof cleaners, and brightening formulations for building materials, where optimal results can be achieved with minimal usage.
Mold Release Agents
Polydimethylsiloxane, can be used as mold release agent for rubber or plastic products (brake plate, screw head, plug, etc.), EVA footwear, directly or with low hardness water diluted 10-200 times, the product is highly efficient, stable, and extremely versatile.

Lubricant
Polydimethylsiloxane can be used as a lubricant for extruded rubber products such as conveyor belts. It can be used as a lubricant for the following textile processes: yarn weaving, lubrication of sewing threads, production of socks and underwear, lubrication of sewing needles, fiberglass filters.
Other Fields
Polydimethylsiloxane is a food-grade defoamer, which can be used for defoaming in brewing and fermentation time of medicine and food. Since it is non-toxic and does not cause physiological reactions in the human body, it is also used as a medical antifoam agent for acute pulmonary edema and gastrointestinal flatulence. Pharmacy monographs on the substance known as silicone (Silicones, or silicone oil) is a class of organosilicon oxidized polymers of the general term. Dimethicone is only one of these commonly used in pharmaceuticals. There are also ethyl silicone oils, methyl phenyl silicone oils, waxy silicone oils and so on. In the tablet polishing agent insect wax, often add a small amount of this product to enhance the brightness of the surface and moisture resistance. In ointment, this product is an ideal hydrophobic base because it has good lubricity, easy to spread, does not stain clothing, and does not interfere with the normal function of the skin. It is often used in combination with greasy base to make protective ointment to prevent irritation or corrosion of water-soluble substances and acid, alkali liquid.

Translated with DeepL.com (free version)