In the long history of materials science development, the birth of silicone rubber and silicone oil can be called a revolutionary breakthrough. From mysterious substances in laboratories, they have gradually entered every corner of daily life and industrial production, and with their unique charm, they have become indispensable materials in modern society.
一、Silicone Rubber: An Elastic Miracle from Laboratory to Life
The development history of silicone rubber is full of exploration and innovation. Initially, when scientists were studying organosilicon compounds, they accidentally discovered substances with special elasticity, which was the prototype of silicone rubber. Through continuous research and improvement, silicone rubber has gradually moved from the laboratory to industrial production.
（一）Microstructure Determines Extraordinary Properties
The molecular structure of silicone rubber is like a carefully woven network. With silicon-oxygen bonds (Si-O) as the skeleton—like a solid bridge—they connect side chains composed of organic groups. This unique structure gives it many amazing properties. The high bond energy of silicon-oxygen bonds imparts excellent stability to silicone rubber. In high-temperature environments, ordinary rubber may degrade or melt, but silicone rubber can still maintain the integrity of its molecular structure and retain good elasticity and physical properties. In low-temperature environments, the flexibility of its molecular chains prevents silicone rubber from becoming rigid or brittle like ordinary rubber, but it remains soft. This makes it perform outstandingly in various applications in cold regions. For example, in cold northern areas, if car door seals are made of silicone rubber, they can still maintain good sealing performance at low temperatures, preventing cold air from entering the vehicle.
（二）Diverse Application Scenarios
Silicone rubber has extremely wide-ranging application scenarios. In the aerospace field, it is a key contributor to ensuring aircraft safety. Critical components such as aircraft cockpit seals and engine thermal insulation rely on silicone rubber. It can withstand huge pressure differences and extreme temperature changes at high altitudes to ensure the safe operation of aircraft. In the electronics and electrical field, silicone rubber also plays a vital role. Electronic components generate heat during operation, and heat sinks made of silicone rubber have good thermal conductivity and insulation, which can effectively transfer heat while preventing component leakage and ensuring equipment operates normally. At the same time, the flexibility and wear resistance of silicone rubber make it an ideal material for buttons on electronic products such as mobile phones and computers, bringing users a comfortable operating experience.
In the medical field, silicone rubber shines even more. Due to its excellent biocompatibility, it is widely used in the manufacture of artificial organs and medical devices. Artificial breasts, artificial heart valves, and other products are all made of silicone rubber, which can live in harmony with human tissues, reduce rejection reactions, and bring new hope to patients. In addition, silicone rubber is also used to make medical catheters, syringe pistons, and other products, which require good flexibility and chemical stability to ensure the safety and effectiveness of medical procedures.
Ethyl Silicone Rubber MY 2056 GUM
