"Use of silicone oil"
When we talk about mechanical connections and movements, the common denominator is the lubrication of the components that concern them, with silicone oil or silicone grease, in order to operate correctly.
It can take place through an oily lubricant or a grease, it depends on the destination device and on other fundamental characteristics, which determine a unique and specific lubrication. In the case of lubricating oils, these are the characteristics that you must carefully consider before making your choice:
- standard or synthetic formulation
- compatibility with high temperatures or low temperatures
- compatibility with other materials (rubber, plastic, etc.)
- Coefficient of friction
- protection from oxidation
- compatibility with food
- flammability
For some of these items your solution may be a silicone oil, let's see which ones!
Silicone oil: application and uses
A silicone oil, as well as a silicone grease, due to its high coefficient of thermal viscosity is one of the most commonly used solutions, as it can be used in various fields and sectors:
- in case of mechanical components in plastic or rubber
- in industrial plants as a diathermic fluid
- in paper printing as a release agent
- as a hydraulic fluid with high viscothermal stability
- as an antifoam additive
- in soft closing mechanisms as a fluid for friction control
- as a polishing and protective agent
- in high voltage transformers as a dielectric fluid.
Thanks to these characteristics and qualities, silicone oils are suitable for numerous uses with various advantages, such as the fact that they do not leave residues and odors, which makes them absolutely compatible even in the event of accidental contact with food.
But not only!
A silicone oil, as well as a silicone grease, does not damage rubbers and plastics at a structural level, which is why it is often chosen as a solution for numerous mixed couplings such as metal plastic or metal rubber, up to rubber and plastic.
Finally, its high dielectric strength makes silicone oil a perfect insulator for electrical applications, and an almost universal product in terms of lubrication.
Silicone oil: the characteristics
In order for a silicone oil to be functional and qualitatively valid, it must be pure in terms of the raw material used, only in this way can it express all its incredible functionality.
There are several families of silicone oils, depending on the chemical structure that forms and differentiates each of its components: a structure formed by a linear chain of silicon and oxygen, for example, will make the silicone oil very stable to oxidation, giving it a high flash point and a low solidification point.
A different silicone oil may perhaps have a wider operating temperature range, and yet another one may be more compatible with plastics and elastomers: the quality of the oil must always be judged on the basis of your needs.
