General structure
Silicones or siloxanes - Structure and properties

Figure 1 shows the fundamental difference between the skeletons of a silicone and a polyacetal, with the silicon atom replaced by a carbon atom.

• Silicon-oxygen linkages have special properties compared with purely organic polymers:

  • limited variation of characteristics over a wide range of temperatures, from - 80 to + 250 C for some ;

  • good resistance to various thermal and chemical aggressions;

  • flexibility, but limited mechanical performance and low gas impermeability ;

  • non-stick and lubricating properties ;

  • electrical insulating capacity.

  Obviously, the nature of the side groups influences these general properties.

• Silicones are synthesized...