Silicone Emulsions: Characteristics and Applications

Silicone emulsions are very versatile compounds that are applied in many areas of the construction industry. In fact, thanks to their specific characteristics and fields of application, completely new perspectives could be opened for innovation and efficiency. But what are silicone emulsions, and why are they so valuable?

An emulsion is a stable, homogeneous mixture made up of two liquids that are either insoluble or only marginally compatible with each other. One liquid component is typically water; the other liquid component is a liquid that cannot be dissolved in water, such as vegetable oil, mineral oil, or silicone.

What is Silicone Emulsion and Its Composition 

Silicone emulsions are chemical formulations consisting of silicone, in the form of silicone oil, combined with water and emulsifying agents to achieve stable mixtures.

When we analyze it from a chemistry perspective then silicone comprises of a finite chain of silicone and oxygen atoms joined together. In addition to these bonds, silicone has two more bonds to organic groups; most often, methyl groups, -CH3-, which make silicone oil semi-organic.

Silicone oils are very unreactive chemical entities, which do not degrade with the contact of water, air, oxygen, or metals. They degrade only at high temperatures or in contact with strong mineral acids, bases, or powerful oxidants.

This blog will go into detail about the various characteristics of silicone emulsions and try to explain the variations that are available. Once a sound understanding of these emulsions is established, we will focus on the particular features that Sakshi Chem Sciences silicone emulsions possess and their applications across diversified sectors.

Unique Characteristics of Silicone Emulsions

The diverse characteristics of Silicone Emulsions make it a fantastic component in the construction industry. Mostly to enhance the result of the final product, silicone is used in silicone emulsions. Factors constituting a silicone emulsion include:

1. pH: Since the dominant use of non-ionic emulsifiers in industry, the pH of silicone emulsions generally is not an issue. Changes in pH do not adversely affect emulsion stability, but they can change the properties of the final product. To minimize adjustment needs in the end formulation, most silicone emulsions are formulated to be close to neutrally in pH.

2. Viscosity: The total flowability of a silicone emulsion is calculated by its viscosity in general. Emulsions composed of silicone fluids possess low or very low viscosities, commonly below 1000 cps. Which offers them a highly fluid consistency.

3. Dry Extract: The dry extract provides the overall percentage of non-evaporative matter present in the emulsion following the drying process. It works in association with silicone content, serving as the active ingredient in these types of emulsions. For preparing silicone emulsions, dry extra content compasses between 20% – 60% are utilized.

4. Filtration: Due to silicones’ low viscous nature, silicone emulsions can be effortlessly filtered through fine meshes of 250-1000 microns. Therefore, this makes them appropriate for effortless incorporation into products kike varnishes, adhesives, paints, or coatings without compromising their deliberate properties.

5. Stability: A well-composed silicone emulsion is stable and can be easily stored for a longer time without exhibiting any potential separation or instability. Some emulsions are even designed to withstand freeze-thaw cycles, making them ideal for use in cold environments.

6. Preservatives: Silicone emulsions frequently include preservatives like isothiazolinones (such as MIT, BIT, and/or CMIT), additional additives like bronopol, and formaldehyde releasers. In certain formulations, food-grade preservatives such as sorbates and benzoates may be incorporated, leading to an acidic pH.

7. Free Monomer: Few silicone emulsions may have free silicone monomers, which are categorized as volatile or semi-volatile compounds. These can be effectively assessed through gas chromatography.

8. Toxicity: The safest ingredient in silicone emulsions is silicone oil which is safe and non-toxic. Disposing of silicone emulsions into wastewater usually doesn’t cause significant issues, as the silicone settles with the purification sludge, forming a non-hazardous residue.

With the above general properties of Silicone Emulsions, keep reading to know how silicones are useful in the construction industry.

Distinctive Properties of Silicones in the Construction Sector

Silicones are extensively utilized in the construction industry for several reasons:

• Material Adhesion: Silicones effectively bond with a variety of materials, including concrete, glass, granite, marble, aluminum, steel, and plastics.
• Durability: In the construction industry, Silicones are highly durable and resistant to deterioration caused by harsh weather conditions, moisture, and UV exposure.
• Energy Efficiency: When used as sealants, silicones enhance energy efficiency by preventing humidity and temperature fluctuations from infiltrating through joints and cracks.
• Flexibility: Their inherent flexibility helps mitigate damage during small to medium-scale earthquakes.

A Glimpse at Silicone Emulsion Families

There are two basic types of silicone emulsions categorized as per the particle size i.e., macro emulsions and microemulsions.

Silicone Macroemulsions (ES-type)

• During storage, these emulsions maintain stability and possess a whitish color.
• When formulated with preservatives, these emulsions maintain stability for more than six months.
• In ES-type microemulsions, a silicone content of 60% is correlated to an average particle size of 0.1 to 1 micron in general.
• Common viscosities include 350 cps and 1000 cps, typically featuring a dry extract of around 35%, though formulations with up to 65% dry extract are also available.
• After application, the silicone remains on the surface post-evaporation, reducing dynamic friction and providing lubrication.

Silicone Microemulsions (EMPOL-type)

• These silicone emulsions are translucent and highly stable, even under extreme conditions.
• Like macroemulsions, they are preserved for stability lasting over six months.
• They feature a much smaller mean particle diameter, typically between 0.5 and 0.2 microns.
• Silicone oil found in microemulsions mostly excels at 1,00,000 cps which is generally very viscous and contains 40% approximate dry content.
• In microemulsions, the silicone oil has a massive viscosity, mostly surpassing 100,000 cps and it content around 40% dry extract.
• In short, both types of silicone emulsions offer unique properties that enhance their performance in various applications within the construction industry.

Why Sakshi Chem Sciences Silicone Emulsions?

Sakshi Chem Sciences silicone emulsions provide a range of benefits when incorporated into other chemical formulations. Following are those benefits that our silicone emulsions best in the construction industry:

• Better Thermal and Dilution Stability: Our silicone emulsions maintain the best performance under high temperatures and when diluted, ensuring versatility in applications in construction processes.
• Excellent Surfactant Compatibility: Our specially designed silicone emulsions are compatible with anionic and non-ionic surfactants, as well as soaps, allowing for easy integration into various formulations.
• User-Friendly Application: We have formulated our silicone emulsions for easy to apply and resistant to yellowing over time, preserving the aesthetic quality of the finished structure.
• Best Surface Wetting: Our renowned silicone emulsion products promote even coverage and adhesion, enhancing effectiveness in construction processes.
• Improved Slip Properties: We have made our silicone emulsions to effectively reduce friction, enhancing the tactile experience and abrasion resistance for longer-lasting concrete materials.

With the industry-leading benefits of Sakshi Chem Sciences silicone emulsions, why not take a look at our most in-demand silicone emulsion products?

Sakshi Chem Sciences: Addage Bondcote (Silicone Emulsion)

We have designed our silicone emulsions to be the best in the construction industry, keep reading to know more about it.

Addage Bondcote SE (Silicone Emulsion) is a shuttering oil or mold release agent and it is made from carefully selected silicone-based oils and similar non-hazardous compounds. It is designed to have excellent release properties, superior to conventional mould release agents. Bondcote silicone emulsion by Addage is a white, precipitate-based emulsion that is easily diluted with water and can be quickly applied on-site. 

The unique chemical composition of Bondcote silicone emulsion creates a water-repellent film on rubber molds and formwork surfaces, preventing adhesion with concrete, and making it one of the top products in the industry. Adage Bondcote SE is specifically designed for use with rubber molds, rubber formwork, and rubber cast. 

This product is available in two categories: thick and thin silicone emulsions. You can choose between them based on your construction project requirements. We proudly offer this product in 50-liter and 200-liter cans or barrels, featuring a white milky appearance.

Why Sakshi Chem Sciences Pvt Ltd?

In the construction chemical industry, we have built a reputation for delivering specially formulated products that uphold the highest standards of quality and performance. Our goal is to provide comprehensive solutions tailored to meet the diverse needs of the construction sector.

We offer top-tier construction chemical products and we pride ourselves on providing them at an affordable cost. Our team is dedicated to assisting you at every step, from offering detailed quotations to supplying quality-checked products and expert advice, ensuring your construction project is nothing short of exceptional.

With over 20 years of industry experience and more than 50,000 client base, we are proud to serve the most desirable construction projects. We aim to lead the market in producing cost-effective, best-in-class solutions. In a short span, we have established ourselves as one of India’s largest exporters of construction chemicals, serving clients across the Middle East, Africa, Europe, and Southeast Asia.

With an extensive portfolio of over 200+ construction chemical products, we are always prepared to help you turn your dream construction projects into reality. If you’re in search of high-quality construction chemicals for your next project, connect with us today to learn more!