Silicone is usually mistakenly referred to as "silicon". Even though silicones contain silicon atoms, they aren't made up exclusively of silicon, and have completely different physical characteristics from the element silicon.
 

Silicone products and pads are available in open cell foams, closed cell sponges, various durometer solids, and is readily molded in a wide variety of colors. There are high tear strength silicones, reinforced silicones, electrically conductive silicones, and thermally conductive silicones.

There are silicone products which are UL94-V0 rated which is commonly required in the transit and electronic sectors. It performs well in compression set tests, and silicone is also naturally UV resistant which makes it ideal for numerous outdoor applications.

Applications of silicone products

Extreme temperature resistance, stability with extreme environmental and chemical stress, and durability are some of the reasons silicone products benefits aviation and aerospace. Silicone rubber sealants are used to fasten interior and exterior doors, windows as well as paneling. Fluid resistance makes silicone products ideal for fuel control diaphragms, hydraulic lines and cable clamp blocks.

Silicone products are commonly used to seal gaps, joints, and crevices in buildings being constructed or renovated. Both professional and retail grade silicone products are abundantly available for this purpose. These one-part silicone sealants cure by absorbing atmospheric moisture, which helps in the professional installation. A moistened finger or damp cloth is all that is needed to apply, and many do-it-yourselfers typically use this method to apply silicone caulking. Similar methods work for urethane caulking, the largest competitor of silicone caulking.

Silicone products demand in the US will grow 4.7 percent annually through 2010, driven by performance and environmental advantages over acrylic, polyurethane, and rubber. Silicone fluids have, and will continue to have the highest demand. Demand for silicone products will grow faster based on renewed growth in the electronics sector.