Definition and Structure: A Molecular Miracle that Crosses the Lines of Inorganic and Organic
Silicones are a class of compounds with a silicon-oxygen bond (-Si-O-Si-) as the backbone, and organic groups (such as methyl and phenyl groups) attached to the side chains. Their molecular structure combines an "inorganic backbone" with "organic side chains." This unique combination gives them the dual properties of inorganic materials (such as high-temperature and weather resistance) and organic materials (such as flexibility and plasticity). For example, silicone rubber maintains its elasticity at extreme temperatures ranging from -60°C to 250°C, whereas traditional rubber tends to crack at low temperatures and decompose at high temperatures.

Core Performance: Six Key Properties Build the Foundation for Application
Heat Resistance: The bond energy of the Si-O bond (121 kcal/g molecule) is much higher than that of the C-C bond (82.6 kcal/g molecule), making it resistant to decomposition at high temperatures and elastic at low temperatures. Weather Resistance: The backbone contains no double bonds, making it resistant to UV and ozone damage, with an outdoor service life of decades.
Electrical Insulation: High volume resistivity and low dielectric loss make it widely used in high-voltage cables and integrated circuit packaging.
Low Surface Tension: Surface energy is only one-third that of hydrocarbons, giving it hydrophobic, defoaming, and anti-stick properties. For example, food-grade silicone oil is used to prevent sticking in baking molds.
Biocompatibility: Silicone rubber is FDA-certified as a medical-grade material and is used in implants such as artificial organs and catheters.
Designability: By adjusting side chain groups (such as the introduction of fluorine or phenyl groups), special properties such as oil resistance and radiation resistance can be customized.

Applications: From cutting-edge technology to everyday life
New Energy: PV module encapsulant adhesives must withstand temperature fluctuations from -40°C to 85°C, and silicone sealants can guarantee a 25-year service life. New energy vehicle battery packs use seven times more adhesive than traditional fuel vehicles, with each vehicle consuming approximately 20kg of silicone material. Electronics and Electrical: Key materials such as 5G base station thermal grease, flexible display screen thermal gel, and chip package underfill all rely on silicone.
Healthcare: Silicone rubber catheters account for 30% of the medical device market, and silicone oil, as a defoaming agent during gastroscopy, can improve image clarity.
Consumer End-User: From film formers in cosmetics and softeners in shampoo to baby pacifiers and baking molds, silicone has permeated every detail of daily life.

Industrial Landscape: China Leads Global Growth
By 2025, China's silicone monomer production capacity will account for 65% of the world's total, forming a complete industrial chain from industrial silicon to downstream processing. Leading companies such as Hosun Silicon and Dongyue Silicon Materials have, through technological advancements, increased the tensile strength of high-temperature vulcanized silicone rubber (HTV) to over 10 MPa, reaching internationally advanced levels. With the explosive demand from emerging industries such as photovoltaics and new energy vehicles, the silicone market is expanding at an average annual rate of 8%, becoming a key material driving the upgrade of high-end manufacturing.