Silicones consist of material made of silicon and oxygen atoms. The silicate chemicals derived from silicones also produce silanes and siloxanes. Silicones are available as rubbers, liquids, oils, solid compounds, adhesives, gels, sealants or bonding agents. Putty is another example of a substance that is made from silicone polymers. Although silicones were developed during the late 1800s, the substance did not become popular until the 1940s, when it played a major role during World War II as a waterproof agent for radios, spark plugs and as aircraft superchargers.

Silicone manufacturers nowadays produce more than a half-million tons of this material and related products. Silicones are useful for protecting concrete walls, bricks and textiles from water damage. They are also popular because they tolerate extremely low or very high temperatures without melting or decomposing. Silicone is likely to be found in office and medical equipment, fabrics such as denim, paper, household paints, electrical insulation and even some skin and hair care products. When supplying silicones or silicone polymers for your business or invention, decide on the following:

1. Pick silicones and related products that are durable.

2. Include different types of silicone products.

3. Choose silicone producers that provide special services or capabilities.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Pick silicones that withstand chemicals, moisture and temperature changes

Silicone suppliers and manufacturers offer silicone polymers that maintain durability through various environmental changes.

I recommend: Ellsworth Adhesives is a distributor of silicone sealants, adhesives, coatings and encapsulates that resist temperature changes, chemicals, moisture exposure and weathering. GC Electronics manufactures high-temperature and all-purpose silicone products for electronic and industrial bonding and sealing processes. GT Products is a silicone emulsion manufacturer of products that are nontoxic, water- and temperature-resistant.

Include a variety of silicones among your project materials

Work with silicone manufacturers that supply adhesives, foams, sealants, fluorosilicones and much more for your cleaning, home care, construction and weather sealing needs.

I recommend: Dow Corning features a wide range of silicones and silicone products of all grades and colors that provide coating, insulation and bonding functions. International Silicone Technologies offers silicones that aid in electrical conductivity as well as lightweight silicone polymers that withstand low and high temperatures that act as sound barriers and gaskets. The Lubrizol Corporation is a silicone manufacturer that features silicone polymers and silicone-based products for personal care, technological and industrial applications.

Locate producers of silicone that also offer services to meet product specifications

Find silicone manufacturers that offer shopping, delivery and maintenance services all in one place.

I recommend: HST Materials offers die cutting, tubing and special packaging services for your projects. Silicone producer Ilene Industries also has inspection, stamping, material stripping and coiling services.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Silicones are also available in different colors to match your construction, automotive or other project applications. These include, clear, black, red, blue, brown and tan. Silicones and silicon polymers remain durable when stored at room temperature.