It is commonly used for lubricating and preserving rubber parts, such as O-rings, as it prevents the rubber from drying out. In addition, silicone grease will not swell or soften the rubber, which can be a problem with hydrocarbon based greases. It functions well as a corrosion-inhibitor and lubricant for purposes that require a thicker lubricant, such as the operating mechanism of the M1 Garand rifle.

Maybe the most common use of it is as an elastic heat transfer coupling material between semiconductor circuit elements and cooling metal parts attached to them. This way thermal resistance of touching surfaces is lowered typically 50 percent. Wide temperature range stability enables it to do it's job even on peltier elements' extreme hot and cold (also wet) surfaces.

Silicone grease is also used widely by the plumbing industry in fauctes and seals, as well as well as dental equipment. Electrical utilities use silicone grease to lube seperable elbows on lines which must endure high temperatures. Silicone greases generally have a temperature range of -40C to 400C.

Polydimethyl Siloxane

Polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS),
Dimethicone,
Cyclomethicone,
Cetyl dimethicone,
Cyclopentasiloxane,
Silicone oil

Description

Silicones are a large group of compounds that include large polymers containing silicon. Depending on the formula and the degree of polymerization and cross-linking of the polymers, they may be slippery liquids, waxes, or rubbers.

Uses

Silicones are used as emollients (skin softeners), as lubricants, as thickeners, and as volatile liquids that make coatings feel smooth, but evaporate without leaving a greasy residue.

Highly cross-linked silicone films are used in cosmetics to form films that absorb sebum (skin oils) and prevent shine.

Cyclopentasiloxane is a low viscosity, volatile liquid used as a carrier. It lubricates, and prevents hair sprays from being sticky to the touch. It evaporates completely, leaving no residue.

Dimethicone is another name for polydimethylsiloxane and is used to impart a soft velvety feel to hair or skin products. It is also used as an emulsifier for "water-in-oil" emulsions.

Trimethylsiloxysilicate is a film forming resin, used to keep hand lotions and sunscreens from washing off.

Cetearyl methicone is a polysiloxane wax. It replaces petrolatum in products such as hand lotions to give them a non-greasy feel.