Silicone — histoire, structure, propriétés et usages

Repères

Si–OBond

−50 to 200 °C typicalService

Silica ash charFire

Bakeware / caulkIcon

Tubing, babyMed

polymersFamily

Silicone is one of 32 materials in this atlas, grouped under polymers: history, structure, measured properties, process routes, uses, safety and market — not a product catalogue.

Scores compare Silicone with the rest of the atlas on strength, heat, fire behaviour, insulation, workability and circularity. They are editorial, not certificates.

Seven chapters follow. Fire and insulation claims name test families (Euroclass, ASTM E84, ISO 5660, KS F) rather than inventing a single safety number.

Introduction approfondie

Deep dive: Silicone

Silicone ([R2SiO]n) is a family of grades whose density ~1.1–1.5 g/cm³, heat band elastomer; resins cure, and fire letter often high LOI vs organic rubbers.

What “the material” actually is

Silicone is sold as grades, not as a single substance. Chemistry [R2SiO]n, density ~1.1–1.5 g/cm³, heat band elastomer; resins cure.

This atlas treats Silicone as a system: mill route, coatings, tests and the cavity it sits in.

Heat, fire and insulation

Conductivity note: ~0.2 W/m·K; filled greases conduct. Insulation score 42/100 is relative to 32 entries — metals lose, VIPs and aerogels win.

Fire letter in editorial use: often high LOI vs organic rubbers. Do not equate A1 with “safe in a blaze” or E with “illegal”. Assemblies decide.

How it is made and used

Origin: Kipping / Rochow 1940s, United Kingdom / US. The process chapter follows feedstock → conversion → forming → finish → install.

Uses span buildings to defence / safety. Pairings matter: rubber.

Market and circularity

Producers below are landmarks, not an endorsement ranking. Prices are bands, not live quotes.

Circularity mark 40/100. Ask which scrap, which certificate, which year.

Profil

Résistance 28

Résistance à la chaleur 80

Performance au feu 62

Isolation 42

Ouvrabilité 76

Circularité 40

Questions fréquentes

Is Silicone non-combustible?

Declared reaction class in this atlas: often high LOI vs organic rubbers. Assemblies still need resistance tests.

Does Silicone insulate?

Thermal mark 42/100 versus the atlas. Conductivity note: ~0.2 W/m·K; filled greases conduct.

What is the density band?

~1.1–1.5 g/cm³

How is it made?

Origin story: Kipping / Rochow 1940s (United Kingdom / US).

Can it be recycled?

Circularity mark 40/100 — editorial, route-specific.

Typical melting or failure heat?

elastomer; resins cure

What should it be paired with?

rubber: The carbon-chain tyre elastomer.

Where is it specified?

Buildings, transport, energy and consumer goods — see the uses chapter.

Icônes

Eugene Rochow

United States · 1940

Eugene Rochow is a reference point in the public image of Silicone.

Dow Corning

United States · 1943

Dow Corning is a reference point in the public image of Silicone.

Muffin pan

Global · 1990s–

Muffin pan is a reference point in the public image of Silicone.

Façade sealant

Global · 1970s–

Façade sealant is a reference point in the public image of Silicone.

Baby teat

Global · 1980s–

Baby teat is a reference point in the public image of Silicone.

Space gasket lore

United States · 1960s

Space gasket lore is a reference point in the public image of Silicone.

Thermal paste

Global · 1990s–

Thermal paste is a reference point in the public image of Silicone.

Keypad

Global · 1980s–

Keypad is a reference point in the public image of Silicone.

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Duels

Même famille, autres notes — choisissez un duel.

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Silicone vs Caoutchouc naturel

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Matériaux proches

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