Power and utilities

Electrical power distribution is dependent on insulators that protect the power supply from costly and dangerous interruptions that could result from exposure to water, salt , sand or industrial pollutants. Silicones provide high voltage insulator coatings to protect wire, power and communications cable. Silicone insulators ensure underground and above ground cables transmit significant amounts of energy safely and without disruption.

Wastewater treatment

Silicones are added to wastewater to regulate or prevent the formation of foam in the various clarification stages of sewage treatment plants.

Food production

Silicones as antifoam agents are added to crop protection products and fertilizers to help growers maximize their production.

They are also used as additives in food and drink preparations to enhance their quality.

Household and cleaning solutions

» Laundry detergents
Silicones as antifoam agents ensure foam regulation during a wash cycle. Foam regulation is important because it helps carry the dirt away from the soiled materials.

» Fabric softeners
Silicones help preserve fabric "newness" because of their softening properties. Silicones' elasticity helps smooth out wrinkles.

» Polishes and surface cleaners
Silicones spread easily, enhance shine and do not chemically react to surface materials, so they are ideal components of any polish or cleaners used on household surfaces such as floors, kitchen and bathroom counters. Silicones also enhance shoe cleaning and polishing products.

Domestic appliances

» Irons
Silicones are used to seal the steam chamber

» Cookers & ovens
Silicones are used to bond the front panel to the aluminum or steel frame. Silicones are used to seal oven doors.

» Solar collectors
The frame is bonded to the glass with silicone elastomers that resist the weather and extreme temperatures.

» Bakeware and cookware
Bakeware is more sturdy, convenient, easy to use and long-lasting when made with silicone rubber. The flexible, non-stick surface is easy to clean and does not impart any flavour or odour to the food. Materials can go from the freezer to the oven, microwave or dishwasher without affecting the quality of the product or the food.

Examples of silicone-enhanced bake and cookware include:

• Cake pans
• Muffin and cracker moulds
• Garlic peelers
• Pancake and egg moulds
• Ice cube moulds
• Baking mats
• Spatulas
• Pan and gadget holders
• Chocolate moulds

Toy manufacturing

Silicone rubber is used in toy manufacturing because the final product is, non-toxic, weather resistant, pleasing to touch, easy to dye and can be sterilized at high temperatures.

A combination of history, engineering, accident and entrepreneurship produced one of the most successful toys of the 20th century - Silly Putty®.

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Earplugs

Mouldable pure silicone earplugs have great waterproof qualities and are great noise stoppers. Invented in 1962 by classical musician Ray Benner, silicone ear plugs help protect swimmers from ear infections and thanks to their mouldable properties are extremely comfortable to wear.

Spacesuits

NASA first started using silicones in space suits during Project Apollo in the 1960's. The thumbs and fingertips of lunar surface gloves were moulded of silicone rubber to permit a degree of sensitivity and "feel", and the sole of the lunar boot worn by Neil Armstrong on the moon was made from a ribbed silicone rubber.