Any liquid polymerized siloxane with organic side chains
A silicone oil is any liquid polymerized siloxane with organic side chains. The most important member is polydimethylsiloxane. These polymers are of commercial interest because of their relatively high thermal stability and their lubricating properties.[1]
The class of silicone oils known as cyclosiloxanes has many of the same properties as other non-cyclic siloxane liquids but also has a relatively high volatility, making it useful in a number of cosmetic products such as antiperspirant.
Some silicone oils, such as simethicone, are potent anti-foaming agents due to their low surface tension. They are used in industrial applications such as distillation or fermentation, where excessive amounts of foam can be problematic. They are sometimes added to cooking oils to prevent excessive foaming during deep frying. Silicone oils used as lubricants can be inadvertent defoamers (contaminants) in processes where foam is desired, such as in the manufacture of polyurethane foam.
Silicone oil is also one of the two main ingredients in Silly Putty, along with boric acid.
Silicone oil serves as an effective gun lubricant, suitable for use with the rubber, plastic, and metal components commonly found in firearms. Its high surface adhesion allows it to create a long-lasting protective film, which is beneficial for preserving guns during prolonged storage.
Medical uses
Consumer products to control flatulence often contain silicone oil.[citation needed] Silicone oils have been used as a vitreous fluid substitute to treat difficult cases of retinal detachment, such as those complicated with proliferative vitreoretinopathy, large retinal tears, and penetrating ocular trauma.[4] Additionally, silicone oil is used in general medicine and surgery. Because of silicone oil's water repellent and lubricating properties, it is considered an appropriate material to maintain surgical instruments. They are also used in digital rectal examinations (DRE).
Automotive use
Silicone oil has been commonly used as the fluid in the automobile cooling fan clutch assemblies, and is still being used in the newer electronic fan clutches.[5]
^Miyahara, H; Nakajima, A; Wada, J; Yanabu, S (June 2006). "Breakdown Characteristics of Combined Insulation in Silicone Oil for Electric Power Apparatus". 2006 IEEE 8th International Conference on Properties and applications of Dielectric Materials. 2006 IEEE 8th International Conference on Properties and applications of Dielectric Materials. pp. 661–664. doi:10.1109/ICPADM.2006.284264. ISBN1-4244-0190-9. S2CID16025124.