To fully understand the answer to this question, you need to know more about silicone polymers. So, let’s address this question first: what makes silicone polymer unique?

Put simply, unlike other common polymers used for sealants, silicone polymer is inorganic. Because of this, silicone reacts differently than many other polymers given the same stimulus. For example, silicone will be less likely to break down in extreme temperatures.

Silicone is a synthetic polymer with a unique chemical structure. Unlike organic polymers, silicone does not have a “backbone” of carbon atoms. Instead, silicone polymers instead have a chain of alternating silicon and oxygen atoms. This critical difference is responsible for silicone’s unique advantages as a sealant.

The Unique Properties of Silicone

Now that you understand the primary cause of silicone’s unique properties, it is time to dive into exactly what those properties are. So, without further ado, let’s discuss what makes silicone so useful!

Incredible Temperature Resistance

Silicone is well known for its resistance to extreme hot and cold temperatures. Silicone can withstand these temperature extremes without degrading. Additionally, it can also retain flexibility. This is especially impactful during cold extremes — where many other materials become brittle.

Most silicone can withstand around -55°C to 200°C or 67°F to 392°F. This makes it a great material for areas exposed to frequent or drastic changes in temperatures.

Low Thermal Conductivity

In addition to handling temperature extremes, silicone is also generally a poor conductor of heat. This lack of conductivity can be good or bad, depending on what you use the silicone for.

However, if thermal conductivity is required, you don’t have to write silicone off immediately. Luckily, you can correct conductivity issue by modifying silicone’s chemical structure. To make silicone more thermally conductive, you simply add thermally conductive fillers into its formulation.

Water Resistance

Silicone is a hydrophobic material — meaning that it repels water. This water resistance pairs perfectly with its ability to adhere tightly to many different surfaces. Together, this means silicone sealing products can produce a waterproof seal that lasts for years or even decades.

Low Chemical Reactivity

The bonds between the silicon and oxygen atoms in silicone polymers are strong. This means that it takes a lot of energy to break them — more energy than most of the chemicals that would come into contact with silicones would have. Because of this, silicone is widely considered to be generally non-chemically reactive.

Resistance to Environmental Factors

Silicone is naturally resistant to many environmental factors. These include moisture, ultraviolet radiation, and ozone. This makes it an excellent choice of material for outdoor applications.

Its long-term durability makes it a common choice for outdoor electrical or lighting fixtures. You can also use it areas where you expect harsh weather and long-term exposure.

Low Toxicity

Silicone is widely considered an extremely safe material for humans to use and experience long-term exposure to. In fact, some silicones are even approved by the FDA. Food- and medical-grade silicones can be used in direct contact with food we eat or long-term implantation in the body.

Versatility and Flexibility

Silicone can come in many different forms — from solid to liquid. With different chemical formulations, it can also address more specific needs. For example, addressing specific heat management, electrical conductivity, or sound-blocking requirements.

Silicones are typically more flexible and durable than other polymers as well. This allows them to experience more wear and tear without cracking or deteriorating.

100 Percent Silicone vs. Extended Silicone

When choosing what type of silicone sealant you want for a project, you have two options. These are pure or extended silicone sealants.

Pure (or 100%) silicone sealants are made from only silicone polymer. High-quality pure silicone sealants will display properties of silicone to their fullest potential.

In contrast, extended (or mixed) silicone sealants come from a combination of silicone and other materials. This can include oils, hydrocarbons, or solvents as up to 35% of the sealant. Even the highest quality extended silicone sealants may not be as effective as a pure sealant. The added materials can impact the properties of silicone listed above.

Generally speaking, 100% silicone sealants will offer you the best seal. Since these sealants consist of only silicone polymers, they are typically the most water, temperature, and mold resistant as well. This said, there are absolutely occasions you may not need 100% silicone. Knowing when to use which type of silicone sealant can help you avoid overspending.

Get High-Quality Silicone Sealant for Your Next Project at Silicone Depot

You can use silicone sealants in numerous applications. You can use it from construction to resealing kitchen sinks and bathtubs. No matter where your next project takes you, a high-quality silicone sealant can help.

Whether you’re looking for silicone sealants or sealing accessories, Silicone Depot has you covered. Explore our selection of silicone sealants today to prepare for your next project!