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Why Silicone?

Did you know adding different molecules and compounds to the basic molecular structure of the silicon atom makes it possible to produce more than 2,000 distinct forms, including solids, liquids,
oils and polymers, greases, pastes, foams, elastomers and other compounds vital to the manufacture of high performance products? With all of these options, Milliken is equipped to produce silicon-based chemicals for manufacturers that require very precise performance properties in applications ranging from Agriculture to Personal Care, Electronics to Pharmaceuticals, and Automotive to Construction Chemicals. Just imagine what the world would be like without these options. Dozens of manufacturing industries would be unable to keep up with advancing societal demands for products made ever- stronger, more stable, more resilient, more aesthetically pleasing, and easier to use and longer lasting.

For more than 50 years, our silicones business has been a proactive partner to the manufacturing industries of the world, advancing specialty silicone chemistry to facilitate the highest quality, most innovative products in the marketplace. Milliken's silicone technology offerings, engineered to withstand the rigors of extreme temperatures, pressure, abrasion and corrosion-inducing environments, bring performance and protection to products in a way no other technology comes close to matching.

What makes silicone unique?

No other chemical technology in the world offers all of these properties at the same time:

Stability. Silicones, much like basic carbon molecules, the most stable of all molecules, are remarkably stable compounds,
proven to resist atmospheric influences such as high and low temperatures, corrosion, moisture permeability and UV radiation.

Safety. Silicones may be produced with or applied to chemicals in most cases without producing unwanted byproducts or odor.
They are both physiologically inert and environmentally friendly.

Durability. Unlike many synthetic technologies, silicones retain their fundamental chemical and physical properties when
exposed to extreme environments.

What chemical and physical properties of silicones lend performance and substance to finished products?

Silicone chemistry, because it is highly adaptable, can enhance many chemical and physical properties in silicone compounds
as well as many other polymeric materials, such as:

•  High and Low Temperature Thermal Stability                      

•  UV Radiation Resistance

•  Reduced Reactivity

•  Biocompatibility

•  Temperature / Viscosity Profiles

•  Compressibility and Elasticity

•  Environmentally Degradable

•  Electrical Properties, including

           - Improved Dielectric Strength

           - Reduced Dissipation Factor

•  Spreading and Creep Behaviors

•  Low Surface Energy

•  Reduced Pour Points and Glass Transition (T_g) Temperatures

•  Improved Gas Permeability