Performance leads to enjoyment - thanks to silicones
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» Revolutionizing fabrics
Silicones have revolutionised fabrics of all kinds. As finishes, they put the 'bounce' into wools and make clothes silky soft yet durable and resistant to abrasion. As friction coatings they help reduce slip for stocking tops and socks. They make leather shoes and raincoats waterproof and longer lasting. As dyes they are used for achieving uniformity and brilliance of colour. And they are used to make protective clothing.
Fabrics coated with silicones are used to make sails, parachutes, paragliders and hot air balloons.
» Caring for fabrics
Silicones in fabric softeners condition, helping to preserve fabric "newness". Silicones' elasticity make fabrics wrinkle-free and easier to iron.
"As salt is used in small quantities to enhance the taste of food, silicones are used in small quantities to enhance the feel of fabric: softness, suppleness, bounciness, crease recovery, water repellency, etc."
Mitap Sanghvi, Mumbai, India.
» Adding comfort and performance to sports
New techniques have made it possible to design sportswear that is lightweight, comfortable and fashionable. As water repellents silicones help keep sportswear dry. As gels they act as shock absorbers in runners' shoes. In swimming goggles and diving masks they prevent water from seeping through. Used on snowboards and skis, they make for easy gliding. Used as bait, they help catch fish!
» Anglers love silicones
In fly fishing, silicones are used as a body coating for flies. It gives them a more natural feeling, according to an expert from saltwaterflytying.com.
