Silicone oil: the "behind the scenes hero" of silicone thermal conductive composite materials
Introduction
Silicone oil, as a core member of the silicone family, has become an indispensable "invisible champion" in modern industry due to its unique molecular structure and excellent performance since industrial production in the mid-20th century. From electronic heat dissipation to aerospace sealing, from cosmetics to medical catheters, silicone oil is everywhere. This article will delve into the chemical nature, performance advantages, application scenarios, and market dynamics of silicone oil, revealing its underlying logic as a "versatile material".


1、 The chemical code of silicone oil: molecular structure determines performance
The molecular structure of silicone oil is mainly composed of Si-O-Si - as the main chain, and the side chains are modified by methyl (- CH3), phenyl (- C ₆ H ₅), amino (- NH ₂) and other functional groups to form a helical conformation. This structure endows silicone oil with three core characteristics:


Low viscosity temperature coefficient: The viscosity is minimally affected by temperature and maintains fluidity within the range of -50 ℃ to 200 ℃, making it suitable for extreme environments.
High electrical insulation: With low dielectric loss and high voltage resistance, it is an ideal insulation material for electronic devices.
Low surface tension: improves the dispersibility of fillers, making the properties of thermal conductive silicone grease, sealant and other materials more stable.
Case: In LED packaging, phenyl silicone oil becomes a key component of the packaging adhesive due to its high temperature resistance (up to 300 ℃) and radiation resistance, ensuring the long-term stable operation of LEDs in high-temperature environments.