Improving the basic performance of coatings
The unique molecular structure of silicone brings significant performance improvements to paint and coatings. The Si-O-Si bond energy of its main chain is much higher than the C-C bond in ordinary organic polymers. This strong bond energy gives the coating excellent heat resistance. For example, pure silicone resin can withstand high temperatures of 200-250℃. After adding fillers such as aluminum powder and glass fiber, the temperature resistance limit can reach 700℃. Modified products such as phenyl silicone resin can work stably in an environment above 300℃ for a long time, and are suitable for spacecraft insulation layers, engine component protection and other fields. At the same time, silicone resin also has excellent weather resistance. After polyester modification, the coating can maintain flexibility in an ultra-low temperature environment of -80℃, and the ultraviolet absorption rate is as high as more than 90%. After 20 years of outdoor use, its gloss retention rate is still more than 85%, far exceeding ordinary acrylic paint. In addition, in a hot and humid environment (85℃/85%RH), its volume resistivity can be maintained above 1×10¹⁴Ω·cm, and the breakdown field strength reaches 100kV/mm. It has significant electrical insulation properties and is widely used in the protection of electrical equipment such as transformers and motor windings.

Optimizing the coating construction process
Organic silicone additives play a key role in optimizing the coating construction process. As a leveling agent, although low relative molecular weight polydimethylsiloxane can be used as a leveling agent, the leveling effect is poor due to poor compatibility. Various modified silicone oils, such as polyether modified silicone oil and polyester modified silicone oil, can meet the needs of various systems according to the different types of modification. Polyether modified silicone oil has an adjustable structure and a wide range of performance coverage. It is currently the main variety of organic silicone leveling agents. In high-temperature systems (such as baking varnish), modified silicone oils containing high-temperature resistant groups such as alkyl modified silicone oil, phenyl modified silicone oil and polyester modified silicone oil can provide good leveling effects. As a defoamer, polydimethylsiloxane with a large relative molecular weight is widely used in heavy-duty anti-corrosion systems. To improve the defoaming efficiency, white carbon black can also be added as a synergistic component. In solvent-based coating systems, fluorocarbon-modified silicone can greatly improve the defoaming effect; in water-based coating systems, polydimethylsiloxane needs to be modified with polyether. As a substrate wetting agent, polyether-modified silicone oil with a small relative molecular weight can quickly migrate to the surface of the system, reduce surface tension, achieve rapid wetting of the substrate, and also give the system good anti-shrinkage performance and atomization effect during spraying construction.

Expanding the functional application of coatings
Organic silicon helps paints and coatings to achieve functional expansion. In the field of wear-resistant coatings, the scratch resistance of silicone resin coatings can be improved by changing the organic groups on the side chains of silicone resins, grafting the main chain and other modification methods. The preparation of resin-based nanocomposite coatings helps to improve the wear resistance of coatings. For example, when the ratio of nanofiller TiB₂ to TiC is 1:2 and the TiB₂-TiC ratio is 4%, the wear resistance of the coating is optimal. In terms of antifouling coatings, the unique chemical structure of silicone resin enables it to form a huge network structure during the film-forming process. The paint film is dense, with low surface energy and small surface tension. The contact angle of the modified silicone resin surface can reach 150°, giving the coating excellent hydrophobicity and antifouling properties.