Silicone, also known as silica gel or silica gel, is a highly active adsorption material and is an amorphous substance. Its chemical formula is mSiO₂·nH₂O, the main component is silica (SiO₂), and contains a certain amount of moisture (H₂O). Here is a detailed introduction to silicone:

1. Physical characteristics

Appearance: Silicone is usually a clear or creamy granular solid.

Structure: It has an open porous structure, with a large specific surface area (surface area per unit mass) and can adsorb a variety of substances.

Hardness and elasticity: The vulcanized silicone can maintain elasticity for a long time in an environment of -65 degrees Celsius to 250 degrees Celsius, and the hardness range is wide. The hardness of molded silicone is usually between 30°C and 70°C.

Wear resistance: Silicone has strong wear resistance and is suitable for making anti-friction silicone products.

Electrical insulation: Organic silicone products have good insulation properties and are a stable insulating material.

2. Chemical properties

Stability: Silicone has stable chemical properties, is insoluble in water and any solvent, is non-toxic and odorless, and does not react with any substance except strong alkali and hydrofluoric acid.

Adsorption: Silicone can adsorb a variety of substances, especially water molecules in the air, and the moisture absorption of some silicone can even reach 300%. This adsorption capacity makes silicone an excellent desiccant and adsorbent.

III. Classification

Silicone can be divided into two categories according to its properties and components:

Inorganic silicone: It is usually prepared by reacting sodium silicate and sulfuric acid, and through a series of post-treatment processes such as aging and acid bubbles. Inorganic silicone is a highly active adsorption material, which is widely used in gas drying, liquid dehydration, chromatic layer analysis and other fields, and is also used as a catalyst support.

Silicone: is an organic silicon compound that contains Si-C bonds and at least one organic group is directly connected to the silicon atom.