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silicone |
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silicone, polymer polymer , chemical compound with high molecular weight consisting of a number of structural units linked together by covalent bonds (see chemical bond). The simple molecules that may become structural units are themselves called monomers; two monomers combine to form
..... Click the link for more information. in which atoms of silicon and oxygen alternate in a chain; various organic radicals, such as the methyl group, CH3, are bound to the silicon atoms. Silicones, which are unusually stable at extreme temperatures (both high and low), may occur as liquids, rubbers, resins, or greases. Silicones are prepared from halides of organic silicon compounds by decomposition. Such compounds are chosen and used in mixtures that allow the desired molecular weight and degree of cross-linking to be obtained in the final polymer. Water repellent, chemically inert, and stable at extreme temperatures, silicones are used as protective coatings and electrical insulators and in caulk. Implants consisting of silicone gel surrounded by hard silicone were used in reconstructive and cosmetic breast surgery until 1992. The safety of inserting silicone prostheses into the body was questioned in a large product-liability case involving breast implants breast implant, saline- or silicone-filled prosthesis used after mastectomy as a part of the breast reconstruction process or used cosmetically to augment small breasts. siliconeor polysiloxaneAny of a diverse class of polymers manufactured as fluids, resins, or elastomers. They are partially organic compounds, but, unlike most polymers, they have a backbone containing no carbon, composed instead of alternating silicon and oxygen atoms. In most silicones, two organic groups (see functional group), usually methyl or phenyl, are attached to each silicon atom. Silicones in general are exceptionally stable and inert. Silicone fluids are used in hydraulic fluids, emulsion-breaking compositions, and breast implants and as adhesives, lubricants, water repellents, and protective coatings. Silicone rubbers are used as electrical insulators in encapsulations, coatings, and varnishes; as gaskets and caulking material; in specialized tubing; as automobile engine components; as flexible windows in face masks and air locks; for laminating glass cloth; and as surgical membranes and implants. silicone A material that is used to make lubricants, sealants, adhesives, gels, coatings and breast implants. Silicone (pronounced "sill-uh-kone") is a compound of silicon (pronounced "sill-uh-kin") and other materials. See silicon.silicone Chem a. any of a large class of polymeric synthetic materials that usually have resistance to temperature, water, and chemicals, and good insulating and lubricating properties, making them suitable for wide use as oils, water-repellents, resins, etc. Chemically they have alternate silicon and oxygen atoms with the silicon atoms bound to organic groups b. (as modifier): silicone rubber silicone [′silĀ·ə‚kōn] (materials) A fluid, resin, or elastomer; can be a grease, a rubber, or a foamable powder; the group name for heat-stable, water-repellent, semiorganic polymers of organic radicals attached to the silicones, for example, dimethyl silicone; used in adhesives, cosmetics, and elastomers. silicone One of the family of polymeric materials in which the recurring chemical group contains silicon and oxygen atoms as links in the main chain; derived from silica and methyl chloride; characterized by resistance to heat and a low coefficient of thermal expansion. Want to thank TFD for its existence? Tell a friend about us, add a link to this page, add the site to iGoogle, or visit the webmaster's page for free fun content. |
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