What is silicone emulsion

silicone emulsion is a stable mixture of silicone oil dispersed in water or other liquids. Silicone emulsion is usually composed of silane, silicone oil, silicone resin, water, surfactants and other additives. The purpose of silicone emulsion formulation is to improve and promote product display, processing and efficiency.

Composition of silicone emulsion

Silicone emulsion is mainly composed of the following three parts:

Silicone oil: As the core ingredient, silicone oil provides the main functional properties of emulsion, such as lubricity, water resistance and softness.

Emulsifier: The role of emulsifier is to disperse silicone oil in water to form a stable emulsion. Common emulsifiers include non-ionic surfactants (such as polyoxyethylene ethers).

Water: As a dispersion medium, water makes silicone emulsion easy to dilute and apply.

Characteristics and advantages of silicone emulsion

1. Easy to use: Silicone oil emulsion can be directly diluted with water, which is simple to operate.

2. High stability: Through reasonable formula design, silicone oil emulsion can remain stable for a long time and is not easy to stratify or deteriorate.

3. Versatility: Silicone oil emulsions have multiple functions such as lubrication, waterproofing, and softness, which can meet the needs of different industries.

4. Environmental protection and safety: Silicone oil emulsions are generally non-toxic and harmless, and are friendly to the environment and the human body.

Classification of silicone emulsions

According to the emulsifier used, silicone emulsions can be divided into three categories, anionic, cationic and non-ionic. Most silicone emulsions are non-ionic, which makes them compatible with the other two systems. But in practice, cationic emulsions or anionic emulsions will be selected according to the specific application.

According to the particle size, silicone emulsions are divided into:

1. Opaque (i.e. milky) macroemulsions (particle size from 100 nanometers to several microns)

2. Transparent or milky white microemulsions (particle size below 100 nanometers)

In addition, different polymers can be used to change the properties of the emulsion such as viscosity, solid content, reactivity, etc. For example, using linear hydroxy silicone oil SNY-2101 through emulsion polymerization, a more uniform and stable silicone emulsion can be obtained. By adding reactive silanes, silicone resins can make silicone emulsions suitable for certain special applications.

Applications of Silicone Emulsion

Personal Care and Cosmetics: Silicone oil emulsions are commonly used in products such as conditioners, shampoos, and skin care products to provide a smooth, soft effect. It can improve the combing properties of hair.

Textile Industry: In textile processing, silicone emulsions are used as softeners to give fabrics a soft, smooth feel. Improve the waterproof properties of textiles.

Building and Waterproofing Materials: Silicone emulsions are widely used in building protection, which can effectively prevent moisture penetration and extend the service life of buildings.

Industrial Lubrication and Release Agents: In industrial production, silicone emulsions are used as lubricants to reduce friction between mechanical parts. t can also be used as a release agent in the production process of rubber and plastics to help materials easily release from molds.

Car Care: Silicone oil emulsions are widely used in automotive polishes and household cleaners for improved protection, durability, gloss and spreadability.

Papermaking industry: In the papermaking process, silicone oil emulsion is used as a defoaming agent to prevent the generation of foam and improve the softness and smoothness of paper.