Silicones, or polysiloxanes, are inorganic-organic polymers with the chemical formula ^*_n, where R = organic groups such as methyl, ethyl, and phenyl. These materials consist of an inorganic silicon-oxygen backbone (...-Si-O-Si-O-Si-O-...) with organic side groups attached to the silicon atoms, which are four-coordinate. In some cases organic side groups can be used to link two or more of these -Si-O- backbones together. By varying the -Si-O- chain lengths, side groups, and crosslinking, silicones can be synthesized with a wide variety of properties and compositions. They can vary in consistency from liquid to gel to rubber to hard plastic. The most common type is linear polydimethylsiloxane or PDMS. The second largest group of silicone materials is based on silicone resins, which are formed by branched and cage-like oligosiloxanes. __FORCETOC__

Properties

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Silicones are odorless, colorless, water resistant, chemical resistant, oxidation resistant, stable at high temperature, and have weak forces of attraction, low surface tension, low freezing points and do not conduct electricity. They have many uses, such as lubricants, adhesives, sealants, gaskets, breast implants, pressure compensating diaphragms for drip irrigation emitters, dishware, Silly Putty, and many other products. Due to their thermal stability and relatively high melting and boiling points, silicones are often used where organic polymers are not applicable. Their unreactivity generally makes them non-toxic (see below). Simethicone, a silicone-based anti-foaming agent, has remained available as an over-the-counter drug and food additive.

Chemical terminology

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Silicone is often mistakenly referred to as "silicon". Although silicones contain silicon atoms, they are not made up exclusively of silicon, and have completely different physical characteristics from elemental silicon.

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Just ordered a new DT. It doesn't have any silicones, glycerin, protein, or parabens in it. That will make my hair happy. (: #naturalhair
heymelissahey (Melissa) Mon, 04 Jan 2010 19:52:05 -0000
Just ordered a new DT. It doesn't have any silicones, glycerin, protein, or parabens in it. That will make my hair happy. (: #naturalhair
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NippertheMouse (Nipper the Mouse) Mon, 04 Jan 2010 00:36:53 -0000
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