Silicone oil, especially dimethyl silicone oil, as a high-performance polyorganosiloxane, plays an important role in the plastics industry. The following is a detailed analysis of the application of silicone oil in the plastics industry:

First, the basic characteristics of silicone oil

The main component of silicone oil is dimethylsiloxane, and its molecular structure consists of the main chain of alternating silicon and oxygen atoms as well as the organic groups of the side chain. This structure makes the silicone oil has the following remarkable properties:

1. High thermal and chemical stability: the high bonding energy of the silicone-oxygen bond gives silicone oil good heat resistance and chemical stability, so that it can maintain stable performance in a variety of harsh environments.
2. Low glass transition temperature and high decomposition temperature: this makes the silicone oil in a wide range of temperatures can be maintained in the liquid state, so that in a variety of plastics processing can play an effective role.

Second, the role of silicone oil in plastics

1. Lubrication

   • Reduce the coefficient of friction: Silicone oil as a lubricant can significantly reduce the coefficient of friction of plastic products in the process of processing, improve processing performance.
   • Reduce mechanical wear: through lubrication, silicone oil can effectively reduce the wear and tear of mechanical equipment in the processing of plastics, prolonging the service life of the equipment.

2. Improve surface performance

   • Improve the smoothness: Adding the right amount of silicone oil can make the surface of plastics smoother, enhance its visual effect and feel.
   • Enhance water resistance and anti-pollution ability: Silicone oil can reduce the tension of the plastic surface, making it easier to clean and maintain.
   • Improve coating and printing performance: Silicone oil has a significant effect on the uniformity and smoothness of coating and printing materials.

3. Enhanced temperature resistance

   • Enhanced high temperature resistance: The high thermal stability of silicone fluids enables plastics to maintain stable performance in high temperature environments.
   • Prevent thermal degradation: The addition of silicone oil can effectively prevent thermal degradation of plastics at high temperatures, thus extending the service life of plastic products.
   • Slow down the aging process: Silicone oil can absorb UV rays and slow down the aging process of plastic, making it more durable for outdoor use.

4. Improves Electrical Properties

   • Increase arc resistance: Silicone oil, as an insulating oil, can improve the arc resistance of plastic materials, making them more suitable for the manufacture of electrical and electronic equipment.
   • Increase anti-static ability: The addition of silicone oil can also enhance the anti-static properties of plastics and reduce the impact of static electricity on equipment.

5. Plasticizing and Toughening

   • Increase chain mobility: Silicone oil can penetrate between the polymer chains of plastics and increase the mobility of the chains, thus playing the role of plasticization.
   • Improve flexibility and impact resistance: The addition of silicone oils can also significantly improve the flexibility and impact resistance of plastic materials, making them more suitable for applications in a variety of complex environments.

6. Improve feel and appearance

   • Enhanced softness and smoothness: Silicone oils can make plastic products feel softer and smoother, enhancing the user experience.
   • Enhance gloss: Silicone oil can also enhance the gloss of plastic surface, making it more beautiful and attractive.

In summary, the application of silicone oil in the plastics industry has a wide and far-reaching impact. It not only enhances the processing performance and surface performance of plastics, but also enhances the temperature resistance, electrical properties and flexibility of plastics. Therefore, silicone oil has an important position and value in the plastics industry.