Silicone fluids and emulsions deliver thermal stability, low surface tension, and chemical inertness across textile softening, mold release, and personal care applications.
Silicone Fluid Types
| Type | Key Feature | Primary Applications |
|---|---|---|
| PDMS (Dimethicone) | Inert, stable, hydrophobic | Mold release, lubrication, defoaming, personal care |
| Amino Silicone | Fiber-substantive, soft feel | Textile softening, hair conditioners |
| Hydrogen Silicone (Si–H) | Reactive cross-linker | Surface treatment, silicone rubber cross-linking |
| Vinyl Silicone | UV/peroxide curable | Silicone rubber base, release coatings |
| Silicone Emulsion | Water-dilutable, easy apply | Textile finishing, paper release, wax blends |
| OH Polymer (Silanol) | Reactive end groups | Sealant crosslinker, surface modification |
Textile Softening & Finishing
Polyester & Nylon
Amino silicone at 1–2% owf gives outstanding silky hand feel and improved tear strength retention.
Cotton & Cellulosics
Hydrophilic amino silicone grades maintain moisture wicking while adding softness — important for athletic and baby garments.
Wool & Protein Fibers
Low-amine-value silicone emulsions soften wool without compromising felting behavior or dyeing uptake.
Technical Textiles
PDMS emulsions on nonwovens, airbags, and upholstery improve abrasion resistance and reduce noise.
Mold Release & Demolding
PDMS at 100–10,000 cSt forms a boundary lubricant layer preventing adhesion between part and mold.
| Mold Application | Recommended Viscosity | Application Method | Key Property |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rubber molding (technical) | 350–1000 cSt | Spray diluted in solvent | Heat stability >180°C |
| PU foam | 50–350 cSt | Spray neat or in carrier | No silicone migration |
| Epoxy composites | 500–5000 cSt | Wipe-on thin film | Low transfer to part surface |
| Food baking molds | 350 cSt, FDA grade | Spray or brush | FDA 21 CFR 178.3570 compliance |
| Die casting (Zn/Al) | 10,000–100,000 cSt | Diluted emulsion spray | Thermal stability, thin film |
Personal Care & Cosmetics
Low-viscosity PDMS (0.65–50 cSt) provides silky slip and gloss in hair serums, skin creams, and sunscreens. Amino silicone is the active ingredient in premium hair conditioners. D4/D5 cyclic silicones are under EU REACH restriction for rinse-off products.
Lubrication & Heat Transfer
High-viscosity PDMS (10,000–100,000 cSt) serves as lubricant where hydrocarbon oils would oxidize or evaporate. Medium-viscosity PDMS (500–5,000 cSt) is used as heat transfer fluid operating reliably from -50°C to 200°C.
Viscosity Selector
| Viscosity (cSt) | Flow Character | Typical Use |
|---|---|---|
| 0.65–10 | Water-thin | Carrier solvent, light defoamer, volatile personal care |
| 50–200 | Light oil | Textile emulsion base, light mold release, hair serum |
| 350–1000 | Medium oil | General mold release, skin emollient, light lubrication |
| 1000–5000 | Heavy oil | Heat transfer, composite mold release, electrical insulation |
| 10,000–100,000 | Viscous | Damping fluid, high-temp lubrication, rubber compounding |
Browse our silicone fluid range or contact Semitech with your application requirements.
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Compare viscosity profiles and solid content across the EM series to optimize your formulation.
Textile Amino Silicone Oils & Emulsions
Textile Amino Silicone
Vinyl Silicone Fluid
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Frequently Asked Questions
+What viscosity of silicone fluid is best for textile softening?
Amino-modified silicone fluids at 50–500 cSt applied as dilute aqueous emulsions (0.5–3% active). Lower viscosities give a lighter feel; higher viscosities give a fuller, silkier feel. Amine value governs substantivity.
+What is the difference between PDMS, hydrogen silicone fluid, and amino silicone?
PDMS is chemically inert for lubrication and release. Hydrogen silicone fluid is reactive for crosslinking via hydrosilylation. Amino silicone bonds substantively to fibers for textile softening.
+How do silicone emulsions differ from neat silicone fluids?
Emulsions are aqueous dispersions (30–60% active) that are water-dilutable and applied without organic solvents. Neat fluids are 100% active for maximum silicone content.
+Can silicone fluids be used as mold release agents?
Yes. PDMS at 100–1000 cSt prevents adhesion of rubber, PU, epoxy, and composite parts. FDA-compliant grades available for food-contact molds.
+Are silicone fluids safe for use in cosmetics?
Yes. PDMS and amino silicone are non-comedogenic and globally approved. D4/D5 cyclic silicones are under EU REACH restriction for rinse-off products.