SIL406413.FluidsBroREV.

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GE Silicones

Fluids,
Emulsions &
Specialties
Materials &
Applications

fluids
a n t i f o a m s

e m u l s i o n s

o r g a n o f u n c t i o n a l

v o l a t i l e s
SIL406413.FluidsBroREV.qxd 3/23/01 3:43 PM Page 3

fluid
a n t i f o a m s

v o l a t i l e s

s p e c i a l t i e s
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GE Silicones Table of Contents

Fluids, Emulsions, Introduction..........................1

Why Silicones for

Chemical Processing,

And Specialties Textiles & Plastics?....... 2-3

Fluids, Emulsions, &

Specialties Application
Selector............................ 4-5

he strengths of GE automotive, personal care, building Reference

T
Section
Silicones are deeply rooted and construction, consumer General Purpose &
Specialty Fluids.............. 6-7
• Organofunctional Reactive
in the long and prestigious hardware, electronics and business
& Non-reactive Fluids
• General Purpose Fluids
history of GE technology innovation, equipment, appliances, and OEM
• Gums

• Chlorosilane Fluids
technical service, and application assembly and maintenance.
Emulsions &
Specialties....................... 8-9
engineering. Milestones include
• Emulsions
Expanded Product Portfolio • Antifoams
the discovery of new chemistries and
Increases Application Reach • Specialties

• Masonry Coatings
the birth of breakthrough products. • Liquid Silicone Elastomers
In our continuing quest to provide
• Powder Resins
It’s also a story about commitment
the benefits of silicone technology
Technical
to successful business relationships, Supplement
to more industries, GE has expanded
Unique Chemical Structure
about global reach, and about Solubility
its specialty silicones portfolio
Moisture Absorption
value-added process innovations that Radiation Resistance
for Chemical Processing, Textiles
Low Temperature Properties
can help our customers reduce Pumping Characteristics
and Plastics. The GE product offer-
Refractive Index...............10-11
costs, improve quality, and realize
ing for these industries includes Ultraviolet & Infrared

ids
Characteristics
their business objectives. Flammability
general and specialty fluids, additives,
Surface Tension
Thermal Expansion
For 50 years, GE Silicones has reactive and non-reactive interme- & Conductivity
Volatility
pioneered developments in silicone diates, silanes, volatiles, surfactants, Specific Heat
Dielectric Properties
technology for the world’s most standard and specialty emulsions, Lubrication Properties
Shear Characteristics......12-13
prominent manufacturing industries, antifoams, and specialty blends.
Oxidation Stability
Oxidation Threshold
including chemical manufacturing Find out more about us at
Viscosity-Temperature
Relationship
and processing, aerospace, www.GESilicones.com. Thermal Stability
Specific Gravity
Plastics
e m u l s i o n s Rubber
Metals.............................14-15

Blending Silicone
Fluids....................................16
o r g a n o f u n c t i o n a l

1
SIL406413.FluidsBroREV.qxd 3/23/01 3:43 PM Page 5

Why Silicones For Chemical Processing,

Textiles, & Plastics?

ilicones have a chemical back-

S bone of silicon-oxygen link-

ages very similar to those in
high temperature inorganic materials
such as quartz, glass, and sand. This
molecular backbone is much stronger
than the typical carbon-to-carbon
chains of organic hydrocarbon fluids,
enabling silicones to provide superior
performance in a wide variety of
applications. GE Silicones in

• In chemical processing, silicones offer Chemical Processing

Silicones bring a remark-
unmatched resistance to the effects
able set of attributes to the FLUIDS
of temperature extremes, chemicals, Dimethyl
global chemical and process General purpose lubrication and heat transfer
compression, thermal cycling, oxi- in a full range of viscosities.

fluids
industries. For companies For petroleum, food, power transmission.
dation, and shear stresses. manufacturing products as Alkyl
Metal-to-metal lubrication, paintability.
diverse as petrochemicals, food
• In textiles, both manufacturing For petroleum, motors, machine tools, hydraulics.
and food packaging, pulp and Phenyl
and finishing improve dramatically High temperature heat transfer, high temperature
paper, power transmission, and breakdown resistance.
with increased water repellency and For motors, machine tools, chemical processing.
wire and cable, the unique
absorption, as well as maintenance properties of silicones add Volatiles (cyclics)
Miscible in lower alcohols and typical aliphatic,
of both the physical properties and efficiency to processes and value to aromatic, and hydrocarbon solvents.
For chemical intermediates, household products.
dye retention of fabrics. finished products.
Organofunctional Reactives
Hydrophobicity (water repellency), weatherability,
• In the plastics industry, silicones GE Silicones manufactures chemical resistance.
Fluids and Emulsions used as For automotive polishes, industrial paints,
can dramatically improve weather- equipment coatings.
lubricants, intermediates, mold
ability, impact strength, and mold Organofunctional or Hydrophilic Non-Reactives
release, antifoams, additives, Chemical resistance, hydrolytic stability, water
release characteristics. solubility (only for polyethers).
and coatings in these and For industrial paints, cosmetics.
Whether used as process aids in other chemical and process SE Gums
High viscosity for substantivity, easier handling
Chemical Manufacturing, as softeners industries. and dispersion.
For plastics processing.
for Textile Finishing, or as additives The application possibilities
for Plastics, these materials offer for silicones in chemical EMULSIONS
Standard
processing are diverse and Easy application, lubricity, non-hazardous.
customers the opportunity to make
constantly expanding as new For mold release, polishes.
processes more efficient and finished Specialty
ways are found to use them. Water repellency (hydrophobicity),
products better and longer-lasting. lubricity, durability, non-hazardous.
Here are the product cate-
For textiles, polishes.
Please give us a call on the GE gories, primary application Antifoams
Silicones SourceLine at 800.255.8886 benefits, and key segments Suppression of foam formation.
For process industries, waste water
to discuss your process or application in the chemical and process treatment.

needs, or access our global web industries.

site @ www.GESilicones.com.

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Silicones bring both practical

and aesthetic benefits to GE Silicones in
a wide range of fabrics including
wovens, knits, non-wovens,
Textiles
cottons, cotton/polyester blends,
FLUIDS
and 100% synthetics. Textiles Dimethyl
require finishes that contribute Softening for cotton and synthetic fabrics. Also provide
durable press finish, improve fabric sewability, wrinkle
to fabric durability, softness, and recovery, and tear and abrasion resistance.
color protection. The GE Alkyl
Fiber and thread lubrication.
Silicones product portfolio for
Phenyl
textile finishing includes fluids, High heat stability lubrication for synthetic fibers.
specialties, and emulsions with Organofunctional Reactives
the following performance Impart an elastomeric hand and provide wrinkle recovery,
tear and abrasion resistance.
benefits: Certain grades are used as intermediates to formulate
textile antifoams, softeners, and special additives.
Softening Capabilities ranging
Organofunctional Non-Reactives
from a soft to a dry fabric hand Surfactants used as wetting agents, fiber and thread
with minimized yellowing under lubricants, printing and dye additives.
sustaining the retention of
excessive dry/cure conditions. fabric dyes.
SPECIALTIES
Durability Maintenance of fabric Hydrophilicity Capacity for water Solutions
softness and integrity despite absorption into synthetic fabrics Water repellent finishes, additives.
multiple launderings and dry such as wovens, knits and non- Standard
Imparts lubricity, aids in cutting and sewing process.
cleanings; improvement of wovens. Improves fabric hand and provides water repellent finish.
physical properties such as tear Specialty
Hydrophobic Treatment Water repel-
strength, abrasion resistance, Provides softening for durable press finishes, high loft
lency and waterproofing for fabrics resiliency for thread, and hydrophobic treatment for fabrics.
wrinkle recovery angles, and
used in outdoor clothing, tents, Antifoams
durable press ratings; and the Defoaming additive in fabric dyeing, finishing, and sizing.
and raingear. For cottons, cotton/
capacity to increase the stretch
polyester blends and 100%
recovery properties of knit fabrics.
synthetics.
Color Protection Silicones protect
the integrity of fabric color by

In the plastics industry, silicone

additives from GE provide out- GE Silicones in
standing release properties
for enhanced processing, and
Plastics
lubrication and weatherability
FLUIDS
in finished products. Internal mold release, vinyl plastisol dispersions, vinyl top
coats, resin compounding additives and lubricants.
Silicone release agents are used
SOLUTIONS & SOLID ADDITIVES
as process aids for thermoplas- Processing additives, antiblocking agents.
tics such as polystyrene, poly-
EMULSIONS & ANTIFOAMS
olefins, and other hydrocarbon Additives for lubrication, mold release and foam reduction.
resins, and for thermosets such
as polyesters, polyurethanes, providing essential mold release
and epoxies. For plastic film benefits.
processing, silicone “slip” agents, The GE Silicones product portfolio
also known as antiblocking for the plastics industry includes
agents, provide critical release fluids, solutions and solid additives,
properties for these substrates, standard emulsions, and antifoams.
both preventing the adherence
of plastic film to itself as well as
3
SIL406413.FluidsBroREV.qxd 3/23/01 3:43 PM Page 7

GE Silicones

Fluids, Emulsions, & Specialties Application Selector

This chart is intended
as a guide indicating FLUIDS
the GE Silicones Dimethyl Volatiles
FLUIDS Alkyl Phenyl Organofunctional
product(s) commonly
used in a given FLUIDS Reactives Polyether
FLUIDS
application.

SF1173/1202/1204

Methoxy Fluids
Chlorosilanes

Silanol Fluids
SF96 ® Series

Amino Fluids

Epoxy Fluids

Fluorofluids
SF1147/8843

Vinyl Fluids
Viscasil ®

SE Gums
SF18-350

SF1188A
SF97-50

81798D

DF1040
SF1154

SF1706

SF1023

SF1288

SF1328

SF1488
SF69

SF99
TYPICAL APPLICATIONS
Mechanical
Damping • • •
Heat Transfer • • •
Power Transmission • •
Hydraulic Fluid • • •
Lubrication
Printing Processes
Aluminum •
Rubber & Plastic • • • • •
Base Fluid for Grease • • • • •
Sliding Metal-on-Metal •
Electrical
Dielectric Fluid • •
Chemical Specialties
Silicone Intermediates • • • • • • • • • • • • •
Polishes & Household Cleaners • • • • • • • • • • • •
Cured Coatings on Glass
Containers (water repellent) • • • • • •
Cosmetics & Toiletries • • • • • • • • • • • •
Mold Release
Tires • • •
Rubber & Plastics • • • •
Food Packaging •
Paintable Releases •
Foundry Release • •
Latex Dip Additive
Antifoams
Pulp & Paper/Jet Dye
Petroleum • • • •
Food Applications •
Formulation of Aqueous
Defoaming Products • • • • •
Textiles
Anti-Crocking •
Fiber & Thread Lubricants • • • • •
Nonwoven Treatments • • •
Softeners & Modifiers • • • • • • • • •
Water Repellent Finishes • • •
Industrial Fabric Coatings
Paint & Ink Additives
Flow Control • • • • • • • •
Mar Resistance • • • •
Gloss • • • • • • •
Printing Ink
Water Repellent
Masonry
Particle Treatment • • • • • •
Perlite & Vermiculite Coatings • •
Plastic Additives
Extruded Film • • • • •
Wire & Cable Manufacturing • • • • •
Plastic Molding • • • • • • • • •
4
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SPECIALTIES EMULSION ANTIFOAMS

Standard Specialty

AF9000 Compound
AF9010/9020/9030
SM2068A/2765

Silicone Liquid
SM2133/2135

SM2162/2163

SM2059/2159

SM2112/2138
SS4230/4267

Tospearl TM

Elastomers
Silblock™
AFP2001
SM2128

SM2140

SM2164
SM2167
SM2169

SM2101

SM2154
SM2245
SM2658
SFR100
SS4098
SS4177

SS4255
SR1000

AF60
AF67
TYPICAL APPLICATIONS
Mechanical
Damping
Heat Transfer
Power Transmission
Hydraulic Fluid
Lubrication
• • Printing Processes
Aluminum
• • • • • • • Rubber & Plastic
Base Fluid for Grease
Sliding Metal-on-Metal
Electrical
Dielectric Fluid
Chemical Specialties
• Silicone Intermediates
• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • Polishes & Household Cleaners
Cured Coatings on Glass
• • • • • • • Containers (water repellent)
• • • • • • Cosmetics & Toiletries
Mold Release
• • • • Tires
• • • • • • • • Rubber & Plastics
• Food Packaging
• Paintable Releases
• • Foundry Release
• • • • Latex Dip Additive
Antifoams
• • Pulp & Paper /Jet Dye
• • Petroleum
• • Food Applications
Formulation of Aqueous
• • • Defoaming Products
Textiles
• • • • Anti-Crocking
• • • • • • • • Fiber & Thread Lubricants
• • • Nonwoven Treatments
• • • • • • • • • • • Softeners & Modifiers
• • • • Water Repellent Finishes
• Industrial Fabric Coatings
Paint & Ink Additives
Flow Control
• • • • • Mar Resistance
Gloss
• • • Printing Ink
Water Repellent
• Masonry
• • • • • • Particle Treatment
• • • • Perlite & Vermiculite Coatings
Plastic Additives
• • • • Extruded Film
• • • • • • • • Wire & Cable Manufacturing
• • • Plastic Molding
5
SIL406413.FluidsBroREV.qxd 3/23/01 3:43 PM Page 9

GE Silicones Organofunctional Reactive Fluids

Product No. Description Functionality, % Viscosity, cstks @ 25˚C (77˚F)

General Amino (www.GEAmineFluids.com)

SF1706
SF1708
Curable Amine
Amine Ultra Softener
0.48 Meq Base/Gram
0.7 Meq Base/Gram
10-50
1,250-2,500
Purpose & NEW!
SF1921
SF1922
Non-curable Amine
Curable Amine
0.15 Meq Base/Gram
0.25 Meq Base/Gram
150-500
1,000-3,000

fluids
Specialty TSF4703
TSF4707
Curable Amine
Curable Amine
0.6 Meq Base/Gram
0.15 Meq Base/Gram
600-1,400
7,000-17,000
TSF4708 Curable Amine 0.36 Meq Base/Gram 600-1,400
Fluids NEW! XS69-B5476 Polyether Amine
Silanol (www.GESilanolFluids.com)
0.35 Meq Base/Gram 600-4,000

SF1023 Hydroxy Base 28-40 Phenyl 40-80

Unique Properties CRTV944 Hydroxy Dimethyl 500-800
CRTV942 Hydroxy Dimethyl 2,550-3,570
CRTV955 Hydroxy Dimethyl 5,100-6,900
CRTV946LV Hydroxy Dimethyl 16,000-20,000
GE Silicones manufactures CRTV941 Hydroxy Dimethyl 25,000-35,000
CRTV50M Hydroxy Dimethyl 45,000-55,000
both general purpose and CRTV949 Hydroxy Dimethyl 70,000-90,000
CRTV940 Hydroxy Dimethyl 100,000-155,000
specialty silicone fluids with SF69 Hydroxy Fluid/Cyclic Blend Dimethyl 1-40
performance attributes SF99 Hydroxy Fluid (T)/Cyclic Blend Dimethyl 5-40
DF581 Hydroxy (T)/Cyclic Blend Dimethyl 13-25
designed to meet customers’ SFR100 Hydroxy/Resin Blend Dimethyl 200,000-900,000
AF67 High Viscosity Fluid Dimethyl 10,000-15,000
needs. General purpose fluids Methoxy (www.GEMethoxyFluids.com)
SR107 Methoxy 60% Solids/Solvent — 10-30
include the dimethyl, alkyl, TPR178 Silanol/Methoxy Fluid Blend — 20-70
phenyl, and volatiles product TPR179 Methoxy Fluid 15-25 Methoxy 200-700
DF104 Methoxy 70% Solids/Solvent — 25-70
lines. Specialty fluids include Methyl Hydrogen (www.GEMHFluids.com)
DF1040 Hydride Fluid 1.6 15-40
chlorosilanes, gums, and Vinyl (www.GEVinylFluids.com)
organofunctional reactive NEW! U2 Vinyl Fluid — 200
88568 Vinyl Fluid 1.08 200-300
and non-reactive fluids. 88934 Vinyl Fluid 0.78 500-1,000
NEW! U1 Vinyl Fluid — 1,000
RTV609 Vinyl Fluid 0.17 3,300-3,900
The data in these charts is
NEW! U5 Vinyl Fluid — 4,500
designed to help qualify NEW! U10 Vinyl Fluid — 10,000
88865 Vinyl Fluid 0.14 35,000-45,000
and select the right silicone NEW! U65 Vinyl Fluid — 65,000
RTV633 Vinyl Fluid 0.067 72,000-89,000
fluids from GE for your NEW! U165 Vinyl Fluid — 165,000
Epoxy (www.GEEpoxyFluids.com)
specific application require-
UV9300 Epoxy Fluid 800-1,050 200-500
ments. After you’ve had the UV9320 Epoxy Fluid 1,200-2,200 200-500
UV9425 Epoxy Fluid 800-1,200 2,000-6,000
opportunity to review this
Organofunctional Non-Reactive Fluids
information, please contact
Product No. Description Functionality, % Viscosity, cstks @ 25˚C (77˚F)
GE Silicones to discuss your Fluoro (www.GEFluoroFluids.com)
FF157 Trifluoropropyl Fluid* All CH 2 CH 2 CF 3 950-1,050
application in detail, to obtain FF150-10M Trifluoropropyl Fluid* All CH 2 CH 2 CF 3 9,000-11,000
FF160 Trifluoropropyl Copolymer CH 3/CH 2 CH 2 CF 3 14,000-25,000
additional technical data, or
Vinyl Stopped Fluid 40m %F
to request customer service FF7149 Trifluoropropyl Silanol All CH 2 CH 2 CF 3 40-200
Stopped Fluid 5-7 wt % SiOH
assistance. Polyethers (www.GEPolyetherFluids.com)
SF1188A Polyether Fluid EO† /PO‡ 800-1,400
SF1288 Polyether Fluid All EO 250-600
SF1328 Polyether 10% in Cyclics EO/PO 100-1,000
SF1388 Polyether Solid EO 100-650 @ 40˚C
SF1488 Polyether Fluid EO 20-60
SF1528 Polyether 10% in D5 EO/PO 20-1,000
Fluid Blends (www.GEGum.com)
SF1214 Cyclics/Gum Blend — 4,000-8,000
SF1236 Fluid/Gum Blend — 3,000-5,500
* 45%SiOH terminated. SF1276 Fluid/Gum Blend — 7,500-10,000 (cps)
† Ethylene oxide.
‡ Propylene oxide. CF1251 Fluid/Gum Blend — 350,000-850,000 (cps)
6
SIL406413.FluidsBroREV.qxd 3/23/01 3:43 PM Page 10

General Purpose Fluids

Typical Properties & Applications
Typical product data values should not be used as specifications. Electrical Properties

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ens

rs.
For assistance and specifications, call GE Silicones at 800.255.8886.
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SF96 ® Dimethyl Fluids – Low Viscosity (www.SF 96.com)
NEW! SF96-3 3 530 0.53 0.9 1.394 -148 144 — — 0.00105 — — 0.36 35.0 0.0001 — 1 x 10 15
SF96-5 5 800 0.53 0.916 1.397 -120 277 — 19.7 0.00105 0.067 90 0.36 35.0 0.0001 2.60 1 x 10 15
SF96-10 10 1,250 0.56 0.939 1.399 -90 325 — 20.2 0.00106 0.075 15 0.36 35.0 0.0001 — 1 x 10 14
SF96-20 20 2,000 0.58 0.953 1.401 -85 442 — 20.8 0.00107 0.082 10 0.36 35.0 0.0001 2.69 1 x 10 14
SF96-50 50 3,800 0.59 0.963 1.402 -67 588 — 20.8 0.00106 0.087 0.5 0.36 35.0 0.0001 2.73 1 x 10 14
SF96-100 100 6,000 0.59 0.968 1.4030 -67 604 — 20.9 0.000925 0.090 0.5 0.36 35.0 0.0001 2.74 1 x 10 14
SF96-200 200 9,400 0.59 0.959 — — 575 — — 0.000925 0.090 0.5 0.36 35.0 0.0001 2.75 1 x 10 14
SF96-350 350 13,700 0.60 0.973 1.4032 -58 637 — 21.1 0.000925 0.092 0.5 0.36 35.0 0.0001 2.75 1 x 10 14
SF96-500 500 17,300 0.60 0.973 1.4033 -58 662 — 21.1 0.000925 0.092 0.5 0.36 35.0 0.0001 2.76 1 x 10 14
SF96-1,000 1,000 28,000 0.60 0.974 1.4035 -58 658 — 21.1 0.000925 0.092 0.5 0.36 35.0 0.0001 2.77 1 x 10 14
Viscasil® Dimethyl Fluids – High Viscosity (www.Viscasil.com)
Visc-5M 5,000 49,300 0.60 0.975 1.4035 -56 — 500 21.3 0.000925 0.090 1.0 0.36 35.0 0.0001 2.75 1 x 10 14
Visc-10M 10,000 62,700 0.60 0.975 1.4035 -53 601 — 21.3 0.000925 0.090 1.0 0.36 35.0 0.0001 2.75 1 x 10 14
Visc-12M 12,500 67,700 0.60 0.975 1.4035 -53 — 500 21.3 0.000925 0.090 1.0 0.36 35.0 0.0001 2.75 1 x 10 14
Visc-30M 30,000 91,700 0.60 0.976 1.4035 -50 601 — 21.3 0.000925 0.090 1.0 0.36 35.0 0.0001 2.75 1 x 10 14
Visc-60M 60,000 116,500 0.60 0.977 1.4035 -47 601 — 21.3 0.000925 0.090 1.0 0.36 35.0 0.0001 2.75 1 x 10 14

REFERENCE S E C T I O N
Visc-100M 100,000 139,000 0.60 0.978 1.4035 -40 601 — 21.3 0.000925 0.090 1.0 0.36 — — — —
NEW! Visc-300M 300,000 143,000 0.60 0.970 1.4042 -40 608 — 21.0 0.000925 0.174 0.3 0.36 35.0 0.0001 2.9 1 x 10 15
NEW! Visc-500M 500,000 155,000 0.60 0.970 1.4042 -40 608 — 21.0 0.000925 0.174 0.3 0.36 35.0 0.0001 2.9 1 x 10 15
NEW! Visc-600M 600,000 160,000 0.60 0.970 1.4042 -40 608 — 21.0 0.000925 0.174 0.3 0.36 35.0 0.0001 2.9 1 x 10 15
NEW! Visc-1000M 1,000,000 175,000 0.60 0.970 1.4042 -40 608 — 21.0 0.000925 0.174 0.3 0.36 35.0 0.0001 2.9 1 x 10 15
Specialty Dimethyl Fluids (www.SF96.com)
SF97-50† 50 3,800 0.59 0.963 1.402 -67 588 — 20.8 0.00106 0.087 0.5 0.36 35.0 0.0001 2.73 1 x 10 14
SF18-350‡ 350 13,700 0.60 0.973 1.4030 -58 637 — 21.1 0.000925 0.092 0.5 0.36 35.0 — — —
Alkyl (www.GEAlkylFluids.com)
SF1147 50 — 0.76 0.890 1.4433 -60 527 — 26.0 0.00040 0.113 5.0 0.48 — 0.0001 2.39 3 x 10 13
SF8843 2,000 — 0.77 1.035 1.4930 -50 601 — — — — 4.0 0.47 — — — —
Phenyl (www.GEPhenylFluids.com)
SF1154 160 — 0.78 1.0501 1.4980 -40 581 — 24.5 0.00075 0.082 2.0 0.39 — 0.0005 2.83 1 x 10 14
Volatiles (www.GEVolatiles.com)
SF1173 (D4) 2.4 296 — 0.960 1.3935 64FP — 135 17.4 0.000131 — 100 0.36 — — — —
SF1202 (D5) 3.8 520 — 0.950 1.3982 -40FP — 181 17.4 0.000121 — 100 0.36 — — — —
SF1204 (D4/D5) 2.6 — — 0.960 1.3939 53FP — 142 17.4 — — 100 0.36 — — — —
NEW! SF1256 (D5/D6) 4.5 — — 0.960 1.397 -40FP — 180 — — — 100 — — — — —
81798D (MM) 0.65 162 0.32 0.757 1.3748 -89 30F — 15.9 — — 100 — — — — —

Gums (www.GEGum.com) Chlorosilane Fluids (www.GEChlorosilanes.com)

Penetration, mm Vinyl Level, Chain Status (make Product Specific Boiling Pt., Freezing Pt.,
Grade Type (unless specified) mol% End to order/stock) Number Description Gravity ˚C (˚F) ˚C (˚F)
SE30 MQ 500-1,500 — Methyl MTS SC3001 Trimethyl Chlorosilane 0.85 58 (135) <0 (<32)
SE72 MQ 600-1,000 — Methyl MTS SC3102 Methyl H Dichlorosilane 1.10 41 (107) <0 (<32)
SE76 MQ 1,100-1,900 — Methyl MTS SC3013 Methyl Trichlorosilane 1.27 NA NA
SE772 MQ 600-1,000 — Methyl MTO
SC3105 Dimethyl H Chlorosilane 0.89 35 (96) NA
NG137 MQ 700-950 — Methyl MTO
SE33 VMQ 250-600 0.1-0.4 Methyl MTO SC3022 Diphenyl Dichlorosilane 1.22 305 (581) <0 (<32)
SE64 VMQ 1,200-2,500 0.1-0.3 Methyl MTS
SE73 VMQ 600-1,000 0.04-0.1 Vinyl MTS
SE74 VMQ 0.25M-2.5M cp — Methyl MTO ? Need More Help?
SE771 MQ 200-500 — Methyl MTO • You can also access GE Silicones for the product information you need through our
SE2081 FVMQ (fluoro) 165-220 plasticity 0.04-0.06 Vinyl MTS worldwide Web Site: www.GESilicones.com
SE52 PVMQ (phenyl) 100-300 — Methyl MTO • Customer Service: TEL 800.332.3390 or 518.237.3330 (USA & Canada)
SE54 PVMQ (phenyl) 100-600 0.1-0.3 Methyl MTO
• Technical Support: TEL 800.255.8886 or 518.237.3330 (USA & Canada)

† Transformer fluid.
‡ Meets many FDA requirements – see CDS 4319
7
SIL406413.FluidsBroREV.qxd 3/23/01 3:43 PM Page 11

GE Silicones
some ommonly used terms regarding emulsion
appearance are:

Emulsions & Specialties • Creaming – oil-rich phase separates from the oil-
lean phase. This can be either an “upward” cream-
ing (where water is heavier than oil) or “downward”
Unique Properties creaming (where oil is heavier than water).
Prior to use, emulsions can be agitated for uniform

fluids
consistency to help avoid creaming. Creaming is a
natural occurrence depending on age and storage
Emulsions conditions.
Silicone emulsions are economical, easy to use and
• Free Oil – varying amounts of actual oil separate
are excellent release agents for mechanical rubber,
from the body of the emulsion. A good emulsion
wire, and cable goods. They are also used as general
has no large oil separation.
purpose release agents. They offer the following
application benefits:
Antifoam Emulsions
• Easy to apply • Good lubricity
Antifoam emulsions are designed to break down
• Easy release • High temperature stability
foam. The defoaming agent in any silicone emul-
• Low volatility • Chemically inert
sion is the silicone fluid in the system. The major
• Can be used in low concentrations
function of the emulsion is to enable the silicone
• Water-dispersable
fluid to be thoroughly dispersed throughout the
Applications aqueous medium that requires defoaming.
Silicone emulsions are used as release agents in rub- Diluting Antifoam Emulsions
ber applications such as the molding of automotive
Antifoam emulsions are designed to break when
floor mats, shock mounts, fan belts, and O-rings; in
diluted with water. This characteristic is designed
consumer goods such as soles and heels for foot-
into the products so they can act as efficient
wear; and in household products such as floor tiles.
defoaming agents. If the customer wants to dilute
Use Guidelines an emulsion with water, water can be added while
• An optimum point for release efficiency and oper- maintaining mild agitation, both prior to and
ating economy needs to be determined for each during use. This enables the emulsion to continue
application. Actual use concentrations range from performing as a defoamer.
0.2 to 2.5% silicone in most applications. A 2.0% Stable Low-Solid Emulsions
silicone concentration is an excellent starting point.
Thickeners can be added to antifoam emulsions
• Although silicone emulsions are generally stable to make them dilution-stable. The final emulsion
in hard water, a 200 ppm water hardness or higher viscosity should be between 1000 and 2000 cps.
indicates the need for softened water or a boiler Viscosity is controlled by % of thickener, which
condensate as a diluent. should be well dispersed in water before the
• Diluting an emulsion with water can create the antifoam is added.
need for added bacteriostat/fungistat to combat Typical recommended process for creating a 10% or
possible microbial activity. Evaluate all diluted lower industrial grade defoamer is as follows:
emulsions prior to use.
Ingredients Procedure
• Silicone emulsions are shipped with sufficient
Part A: 62.3% H2O Mix Part A.
biocide for preservation. Shipment of emulsions 4.0% Acrysol ASE-108
with sufficient biocide for all dilution levels in all (Rohn & Haas)
applications is not feasible. It is recommended Part B: 2.7% of a 10% Add Part B until clear viscous
NaOH solution solution forms at pH of about 6-7.
that each user evaluate whether it is necessary to
Part C: 31.0% antifoam emulsion Add Part C and stir until uniform.
add additional biocide to diluted products.
• Reactive silicone emulsions may not be compatible Typical recommended process for formulating food
with materials that contain hydroxy groups contact grade defoamers. Only FDA compliant GE
(can deactivate the emulsion) or anionics, lower silicone antifoams can be used (all equipment used
alcohols and salts (can break the emulsion). Any must be sterile).
mixture of reactive emulsions with other materials Ingredients Procedure
must be checked before it is put into production. Part A: 49.0% H20 (sterile) Heat Part A to 21˚C/70˚F
(after sterilization).
Emulsion Terminology and Tests
Part B: 1.0% CMC-7HF (Hercules) Add Part B and mix until dissolved.
A silicone emulsion is an oil-in-water dispersion Part C: 50.0% antifoam emulsion Begin cooling. Add Part C and stir
where the oil phase is a silicone fluid. Following are until uniform.

8
SIL406413.FluidsBroREV.qxd 3/23/01 3:43 PM Page 12

Typical product data values should not be used as specifications.

Emulsions & Specialties Typical Properties & Specifications For assistance and specifications, call GE Silicones at 800.255.8886.

Emulsions (www.GEEmulsions.com)
Emulsifier Base Silicone Viscosity of Contained Oil, EmulsionViscosity, Density, Total Solids,
Type Oil Content, % cstk @ 25˚C (77˚F) max cstk @ 25˚C (77˚F) lbs/gal %* Color
SM2128 Nonionic SF18 35 350 500 8.2 37-41 White
SM2133 Nonionic SF96 ® 50 100 500 8.2 53-56 White
SM2135 Nonionic SF96 50 1,000 500 8.2 54.5-57.5 White
Standard

SM2140 Nonionic Viscasil ® 50 10,000 500 8.2 51.5-54.5 White

SM2162 Nonionic SF96 50 350 500 8.2 52.5-55.5 White
SM2163 Nonionic SF96 60 350 2,500 8.2 60-64 White
SM2164 Anionic SF96 50 100 500 8.2 50-53 White
SM2167 Cationic SF96 50 350 1,500 8.2 50-53 White
SM2169 Nonionic Viscasil 60 60,000 4,000 8.2 60-64 White
SM2059 Cationic Silanol/Amino 35 — 350 8.2 35-41 Off-White
SM2068A Anionic Silanol 35 >100,000 350 8.2 35-41 Off-White
SM2112 Cationic Silanol 35 — 2,500 8.2 35-41 White
Specialty

SM2138 Nonionic Silanol 60 3,000 2,500 8.4 60-64 White

SM2154** Nonionic SF8843 50 1,500 450 8.2 53-56 White to Lt. Yellow
SM2658/SM6754 Cationic Silanol/Amino 35 — 500 8.2 35-41 Straw
SM2765/2725 Anionic Silanol 50 >750,000 7,000 8.2 53-56 Off-White
SM2245*** Nonionic Silanol 40 — 3,000 8.2 49-54 Off-White

Antifoams (www.GEAntifoams.com)
Type Silicone Content, % Specific Gravity Density, lbs/gal Color Viscosity, cps @ 25˚C (77˚F)
AF9000 Compound 100 1.01 8.4 Straw 2,500 max
AF9010 Emulsion 10 1.01 8.4 White 2,500 max
AF9020 Emulsion 20 1.01 8.4 White 3,500 max
AF9030 Emulsion 30 1.01 8.4 White 7,000 max
AF60 Emulsion 30 1.01 8.4 White 1,000 max

REFERENCE S E C T I O N
AF67 Fluid 100 0.97 8.1 Clear 10,000-15,000 (cstks)
AFP2001 Emulsion 30 1.01 8.4 Lt. Brown 7,000 max

Specialties (www.GESpecialtyFluids.com)
Description Viscosity, cstks @ 25˚C (77˚F) Specific Gravity Flash Point, °F
SS4098 50% Solids (MQ/Fluids/Catalyst)/Solvent 5-13 0.89 88
SS4177 50% Solids (MQ/Fluid)/Solvent 8-25 0.95 93
SS4230 50% MQ/50% D5 70-200 1.05 >150
SS4255 50% MQ/50% Xylene 3-10 1.01 63
SS4267 35% MQ/65% SF96-50 300-700 1.04 395
SR1000 Solid MQ Resin — — NA
NEW! XS66-B0900 14% Solids 2,000-5,000 0.81 54

Water Repellent Masonry Coatings (www.Silblock.com)

Description Silicone Content, % Viscosity, cstks @ 25˚C (77˚F) Specific Gravity
NEW! SilblockTM LO-N Alkylated Alkoxy Siloxane 100 10-70 1.10
NEW! SilblockTM LV-N Silicone Resin 50 40-60 1.03
NEW! SilblockTM SK Potassium Methyl Siliconate 25 — 1.35
NEW! SilblockTM WA Siloxane/Silane Emulsions 60 — 0.98
NEW! SilblockTM LD Alkoxy Siloxane Emulsion 35 — 1.06

Silicone Liquid Elastomers (www.GESLE.com)

Viscosity, cstks @ 25˚C (77˚F) Shore A Specific Gravity Blend Ratio Color
SLE5300 15,000-30,000 37 1.16 10:1 White
NEW! SLE5400 15,000-50,000 47 1.01 1:1 Translucent
SLE5500 50,000-150,000 27 1.27 10:1 White
SLE5600 100,000-200,000 58 1.01 1:1 Beige
SLE5700 20,000-25,000 40 1.10 1:1 Translucent

Powder Resin (www.Tospearl.com)

Average Particle Water Content, 105˚C Specific Bulk Specific Surface Linseed Oil Absorption
Appearance Size, µm (221˚F), 60 min pH Gravity Density Area, 25˚C (77˚F) Rate, mL/100g
Tospearl TM 105 Spherical Fine White Powder 0.5 5% or less 7.5 1.32 0.25 70 95
Tospearl 120 Spherical Fine White Powder 2.0 2% or less 6-8.5 1.32 0.35 15-35 75
Tospearl 130 Spherical Fine White Powder 3.0 2% or less 6-8.5 1.32 0.36 10-30 62
Tospearl 145 Spherical Fine White Powder 4.5 2% or less 6-8.5 1.32 0.43 10-30 58
Tospearl 240 Amorphous White Powder 4.0 2% or less 6-8.5 1.32 0.17 20-45 84
Tospearl 2000 Spherical Fine White Powder 6.0 11% or less 6-8.5 1.43 0.46 20-30 60
Tospearl 3120 Spherical Fine White Powder 12.0 2% or less 7.5 1.32 0.46 18 50

9
* % Total solids: % of nonvolatile material in the emulsion. ** Non-reactive polymer. *** Cured with SM2146C catalyst @ 10% use level.
SIL406413.FluidsBroREV.qxd 3/23/01 3:43 PM Page 13

GE Silicones
Low Flammability
Flash points in the range of 205˚C to 260˚C
Technical Supplement (400˚F to 500˚F) and auto-ignition tempera-
tures in the range of 438˚C to 460˚C (820˚F
to 860˚F) are typical for silicone fluids.

fluids
Low Surface Tension
Silicone fluids have unusually low surface
tensions which help provide easy and
pages 10-11 Unique Chemical Structure efficient spreading, high surface activity
• Unique Chemical Dimethyl silicone fluids are unique materials. and low internal cohesive energies.
Structure Silicone fluids have a backbone of silicon-
Compressibility
• Solubility oxygen linkages similar to the Si-O linkages
in high-temperature inorganic materials Silicone fluids of 10 centistokes or more
• Moisture Absorption
such as quartz, glass and sand. This molecular exhibit compressibility of 1.34% at pressures
• Radiation Resistance of 2000 psi at room temperature.
backbone is much stronger than the typical
• Low Temperature carbon-to-carbon chain and more resistant Shear Stability
Properties
to attack by temperature extremes, oxidation, Silicone fluids have unusually high resistance
• Pumping shear stresses and chemicals. See sample to breakdown by mechanical shearing. The
Characteristics of
Silicone Fluids
structures, center of page. shear stability of silicone fluids can be as
GE manufactures both low-and high viscosity much as twenty times that of quality petrole-
• Refractive Index
dimethyl silicone fluids. The chemical struc- um oils, providing longer life at higher
ture of all silicone fluids speeds and loadings.
gives them a unique set of Organic Fluid
Thermal Conductivity
properties. H H H
The thermal conductivity of
Low Viscosity-Temperature H C C C H silicone fluids over a wide
Change temperature range is compa-
H H H
Silicone fluids exhibit a n rable to hydrocarbon fluids.
much smaller degree of (Hydrocarbon Polymer)
Silicone Fluid
Dielectric Properties
change over a wider tem-
Electrical grade silicone
perature range than non- CH3 CH3 CH3
fluids offer excellent dielec-
silicone fluids.
H3C Si O Si O Si CH3 tric properties which are
Wide Temperature Range
maintained for prolonged
CH3 CH3 CH3
Low temperature limits and n periods, even under adverse
high temperature capabili- (Polydimethylsiloxane) operating conditions.
ties of silicone fluids far
Non-Corrosive
surpass those of conventional fluids.
Silicone fluids contain no acid-producing
Thermal Stability
chemicals to cause staining or corrosion.
Silicone fluids show excellent stability when
exposed to high temperatures for extended FDA Compliant Silicone Fluids
periods of time. Some GE silicone fluids can be used in food
Oxidation Stability contact and in additive applications, if FDA
regulations are followed.
The oxidation stability of silicone fluids is
excellent. Absence of copper-induced oxida-
Solubility
tion is critical and contrasts with the sludg-
Silicone fluids are non-polar and insoluble
ing that occurs with mineral oils, especially
in water or the lower alcohols. They are
at high temperatures.
completely miscible in typical aliphatic and
Chemical Inertness aromatic solvents, including the halogenated
Silicone fluids are chemically inert to most solvents, but are only partially miscible with
common materials of construction. the intermediate petroleum fractions such as
10
SIL406413.FluidsBroREV.qxd 3/23/01 3:43 PM Page 14

the naphthenes. These materials can Tests have shown that a dosage of 1 x 107
dissolve enough silicone, particularly lower roentgens will produce a large increase in
viscosity grades, to be sufficient for many the viscosity of dimethyl fluid. A dosage of
purposes. Silicones are insoluble in higher 1 x 108 roentgens is usually sufficient to
hydrocarbons, lube oils, waxes, fatty acids, cause gelation. Dosage conditions may be
vegetable oils and animal oils. equally as important as total dosage. Fluids
SOLUBILITY OF SOME SILICONES
exposed to low rates of exposure may
stand up fairly well to the radiation, while

04
F12
Key: f = Insoluble • less than 1% high rates may result in less than expected
3, S
r= Partially Soluble • 1-10% by weight
h= Soluble • 10% or higher , SF
117 total dosage before gelation.
k= Soluble Hot
50

A
188
6-3

202

214
6-5

SF1
SF9
SF9

SF1

SF1
SOLVENT TYPE MATERIAL
Highly Polar Water f f f f f
Low Temperature Properties
Hydrocarbon Aliphatic h h h f h
A fluid’s pour point is a measure of its low
Solvents Aromatic h h h h h
Hydrocarbon & Mineral Oils
temperature properties. Analogous to the
Vegetable Oils 65/75 SSU h f h f f
200/210 SSU r f h f f
freezing point for a pure compound, pour
Petrolatum f f k f f point is the temperature at which a fluid
Cottonseed Oil f f h f f
Castor Oil f f r h f becomes so viscous it loses its ability to flow.
Sunflower
Seed Oil
Maleated PS
r f h f f
Extended storage of silicone fluids at low
Soybean Oil r f h f f temperatures will produce no precipitation
Wheat Germ Oil f f h f f
Alcohols & Cetyl Alcohol k f k k f because no additives are present. The fluid
Glycols Ethanol 95% f f f h f
Ethanol SDA-40 h f h h f will remain unchanged even when frozen
Isopropanol, 99% h f h h f
2-Ethyl-Hexanol h h h h f for long periods, and when returned

TECHNICAL S U P P L E M E N T
Lauryl Alcohol h h h h f
Stearyl Alcohol f f f f f
to normal operating temperatures will
Ethylene Glycol f f f f f perform as effectively as before.
Propylene Glycol f f f f f
Glycerin f f f f f
Silicones SF96® (350)
SF1202
h
h
h
h
h
h
f
f
h
h
Pumping Characteristics
SF1318 r f h f f of Silicone Fluids
SF1550 h h h h h
Because of their low temperature pour
points, silicone fluids are well suited for
Moisture Absorption pumping applications. With the exception
Although dimethyl silicones are generally of a high pressure piston pump, virtually
insoluble in water, they have been known to any type of pump can be used with silicone
absorb up to 200 ppm water. fluids: gear, centrifugal, internally spline,
Moisture Absorption Rate of SF96®(50) positive displacement or vane.

fluids
Silicone Fluid at 25˚C (77˚F) Centrifugal or gear pumps are recom-
250 mended in electronic liquid cooling
200 90% RH applications where pressures are low and
80% RH
flow rates are moderate. A gear pump
Water (ppm)

150 60% RH
100
is recommended in electronic coolant
40% RH
applications where flow pressure is needed
50
to filter the fluid. When low pressure
0 20 40 60 80 100
and high flow are required in light or
Time (hrs) compact equipment, centrifugal pumps
are often used.
Radiation Resistance
It has been demonstrated that the radiation Refractive Index
resistance of silicone fluids is a function of The refractive index is a useful tool in
their aromatic content. Methyl phenyl and establishing purity and is also used to
other aromatic siloxanes demonstrate a distinguish between chemically different
much greater radiation resistance than silicone fluids. For example, the phenyl-
SF96® and Viscasil® dimethyl fluids, which containing products have significantly
contain no aromatic groups in their structure. higher values than the dimethyl silicones.
11
SIL406413.FluidsBroREV.qxd 3/23/01 3:43 PM Page 15

pages 12-13 The Figure below shows variations in values have flash and fire points within a few
• Refractive Index (cont.)
between lower molecular weight dimethyl degrees of each other, reducing the likeli-
silicones and their higher molecular weight hood that they will have self-extinguishing
• Ultraviolet & Infrared
Characteristics
homologues. The value for dimethyl characteristics.
fluids above 1,000 centistokes is relatively Auto-Ignition Temperature – The tempera-

fluids
• Flammability
constant. ture at which the fluid ignites spontaneously
• Surface Tension
occurs above 460˚C (860˚F) for most
• Thermal Expansion Ultraviolet & Infrared Characteristics dimethyl and phenyl-containing silicone
• Thermal Conductivity Phenyl-containing silicone fluids, like other fluids. Only fluids with viscosities of 20
aromatic materials, absorb energy in the centistokes or below show lower values.
• Volatility
ultraviolet region of the electromagnetic
• Specific Heat spectrum. Dimethyl silicone fluids do Surface Tension
• Dielectric Properties not have strong absorption bands in the Surface tension of silicone fluids is unusu-
• Lubrication Properties ultraviolet. ally low, resulting in unique performance
• Shear Characteristics In the infrared region, both dimethyl by these materials in applications where
and phenyl-containing silicone fluids show high surface activity and great spreading
strong characteristic bands which are power are necessary. Dimethyl silicones
useful in qualitative identification and have low surface tension values largely
quantitative analysis. independent of viscosity (about 21 dynes
per centimeter at 25˚C (77˚F) over a viscos-
Flammability ity range of 20 to 100,000 centistokes).
Flash Point – High viscosity silicone fluids Phenyl-containing fluids have slightly high-
(50 centistokes and above) have flash er surface tension values [about 24 to 25
points of 238˚C to 260˚C (460˚F to 500˚F) dynes per centimeter at 25˚C (77˚F)], but
when measured by the conventional these values are still much lower than
“closed cup” method. Low viscosity (20 those of organic materials.
centistokes and below) dimethyl fluids and The surface tension of organic fluids is
cyclic fluids are more volatile and do not typically in the range of 35 to 40 dynes per
have the high flash points of the more centimeter. The value for water at room
viscous materials. temperature is about 72 dynes/cm.
Fire Point – The fire points of silicone fluids
are significantly higher than their flash Thermal Expansion
points. This difference between flash and Thermal expansion of silicone fluid is
fire points accounts for the self-extinguish- expressed in cc/cc/˚C in the range of 0˚C
ing characteristics of non-volatile, high to 150˚C (32˚F to 302˚F). Multiplying this
molecular weight silicone fluids. factor by the change in temperature, ˚C,
Conventional non-silicone fluids frequently closely approximates the change in unit

Refractive Index of GE Dimethyl Fluids

1,405
Refractive Index 25˚C (77˚F)

1,400

1,395

1,390

1,385

1,380

1,375
0.65 5 10 20 50 100 200 350 500 1,000 2,000
Viscosity, Centistokes, 25˚C (77˚F)
12
SIL406413.FluidsBroREV.qxd 3/23/01 3:43 PM Page 16

volume of any silicone fluid in this Dielectric Properties

temperature range. SF97 electrical grade fluid is a dimethyl
silicone fluid processed to provide out-
Thermal Conductivity standing dielectric properties. Because
Thermal conductivity of silicone fluids is of the basic properties of silicone fluids,
relatively constant over temperatures these electrical properties are maintained
ranging from 26˚C to 93˚C (80˚F to for prolonged periods and under adverse
200˚F). There is little variation between operating conditions.
dimethyl and phenyl-containing fluids.
Lubrication Properties
Volatility
• Methyl alkyl and certain modified phenyl
Vapor Pressure – Because dimethyl sili-
fluids are outstanding lubricants suitable
cone fluids of 50 centistokes and above
for severe applications at room tempera-
are polymers of mixed molecular weights,
tures from -73˚C to 232˚C (-100˚F to 450˚F).
they have no true boiling points or repro-
ducible vapor pressure curves. These • Dimethyl fluids are effective lubricants in
properties can be applied only to chemical rubber or plastic-to-metal applications.
compounds of a single molecular weight. • Dimethyl and phenyl silicone fluids lack
In silicone fluids, volatility and measur- the lubricity required for most mechani-
able vapor pressure come from the lower cal applications involving sliding friction
molecular weight fraction present. When and are generally not recommended as
exposed to relatively high temperatures or metal-to-metal lubricants.

TECHNICAL S U P P L E M E N T
high vacuums, the small quantities of
lower molecular weight polymers will Shear Characteristics
escape, leaving a fluid which will undergo The viscosity of a fluid is defined as the
no further weight loss at that temperature ratio of shear stress to shear rate. In the
and pressure. At very high temperatures, ideal (Newtonian) fluid, this ratio is con-
more volatiles will be given off because of stant and is independent of the shear rate.
molecular rearrangement, which forms In a non-Newtonian fluid, the ratio is not
volatile short-chain molecules. constant and the apparent viscosity at high
shear rates is less than the true viscosity.
Volatile Fluids – Volatile cyclics should be
used in applications where volatility is Dimethyl fluids approach Newtonian
desirable. Cyclics are low viscosity fluids behavior. The lower the viscosity, the more
composed of cyclic molecules of uniform nearly Newtonian the fluid. However, the

fluids
molecular weight. apparent lowering in viscosity (pseudo-
plastic flow at high shear rates) is a
Weight Loss at Atmospheric Pressure –
transitory condition as dimethyl fluids will
The weight loss of silicone fluids is deter-
return to their original nominal viscosity
mined in a forced air circulating oven
on cessation of shear.
at atmospheric pressure. Dimethyl fluids
are conventionally measured after Silicone fluids demonstrate a recoverable
exposure at 150˚C (302˚F) for 24 hours. drop in viscosity after prolonged shearing
Phenyl fluids may also be measured by action. Organic fluids show a drop in
this test, although higher temperatures nominal viscosity that is a permanent loss
are frequently employed. At very high in viscosity resulting from poor shear
temperatures, the loss in simple volatiles stability. The permanent viscosity change
is compounded by some oxidative effects. results from the molecules being torn
apart by the mechanical action. Silicones
Specific Heat show excellent shear stability and retain
Specific heat of most silicone fluids falls their original viscosity characteristics,
in the 0.36 to 0.39 BTU/lb./˚F range at as they are not affected by mechanical
room temperature. working.

13
SIL406413.FluidsBroREV.qxd 3/23/01 3:43 PM Page 17

pages 14-15 Oxidation Stability Thermal Stability

• Oxidation Stability In the presence of air, oxidation stability In the absence of air, silicone fluids show
• Oxidation Threshold
becomes an important factor in the high excellent stability when exposed to high
temperature performance of silicone flu- temperatures for long periods of time.
• Thermal Stability
ids. In oxidative breakdown, oxygen reacts In sealed systems or in an inert atmos-

fluids
• Specific Gravity with the organic groups of the molecules, phere such as nitrogen or carbon dioxide,
• Viscosity-Temperature causing the fluids to lose volatiles and high temperatures above their thermal
Relationship increase in viscosity until gelation occurs. activation points can break the bonds link-
• Plastics The reaction is dependent on the tempera- ing silicon and oxygen in the silicone fluid
• Rubber ture and supply of air. to form lower molecular weight volatile sili-
cones. The activation point for dimethyl
• Metals
Oxidation Threshold fluids is about 316˚C (600˚F), and for
Oxidation threshold is the temperature phenyl-containing fluids it is slightly high-
at which a significant amount of oxidation er. The useful life of silicone fluids under
by-products start to appear. Below this tem- non-oxidative conditions below their ther-
perature, some oxidation will occur, which mal activation points continues for many
will not adversely affect the useful life of hundreds of hours.
the silicone fluids. The degradation products that form at or
near the thermal activation temperature
Viscosity-Temperature Relationship
are completely compatible with the base
Silicone fluids exhibit a relatively small
polymer. In a sealed system, a decrease in
viscosity change with temperature change
overall nominal viscosity is usually experi-
compared to petroleum oils and dibasic
enced when thermal degradation produces
acid esters. A common measure of viscosity
low molecular weight fractions which
change with temperature is the viscosity-
lower the average molecular weight of
temperature coefficient (VTC) which is
the silicone fluid. An increase in vapor
defined as:
pressure in sealed systems results from the
V38˚C (100˚F) - V99˚C (210˚F) formation of volatile silicones.
VTC =
V38˚C (100˚F)
A lower value indicates less viscosity Specific Gravity
change with temperature. For dimethyl Specific gravities of silicone fluids are nor-
silicone fluids, the VTC is 0.6 or less. mally measured at a 25/25˚C (77/77˚F)
Phenyl fluids have slightly higher values. temperature and are less than that of water
Typical values for organic fluids are 0.8 for all dimethyl fluids. Except for the very
or higher. low viscosity products, the nominal specific
100,000
gravity range for dimethyl fluids is 0.94
50,000 to 0.98. The phenyl-containing silicone flu-
10,000
5,000 VISCASIL
10,000 ids are slightly heavier, with specific gravi-
1,000 VISCASIL
5,000 ties range from 1.05 to 1.10.
500
SF96-1000
Kinematic Viscosity, Centistokes

100 SF96-500
Plastics
50 SF96-200

SA
Many plastic materials are unaffected by
E1 SF96-100
0P
ET
RO silicone fluids. However, low molecular
10 LE SF96-50
UM
MI
weight fluids (10 centistokes or less) may
L-L7
5.0 80
8D
IES
SF96-20 behave as solvents and damage the surface
TE
R
of plastics or resin coatings.
Tensile and impact tests were used to
measure property changes in thermoplastic
1.50
C -51 -40 -29 -18 -7 4 16 27 36 49 60 71 82 93 104 116126 137 149 160 171 182 193 204 215 232 and thermoset materials immersed for 30
F -60 -40 -20 0 20 40 60 80 100 120 140 160 180 200 220 240260 280 300 320 340 360 380 400 420 450
Temperature, ˚C (˚F) days in SF96 fluids. Results:

14
SIL406413.FluidsBroREV.qxd 3/23/01 3:43 PM Page 18

• Nylon, polystyrene, methylacrylics and Rubber

modified methacrylics, LEXAN® Very low viscosity fluids (10 centistokes or
polycarbonate resin and general purpose less) will have the most adverse effects on
phenolic molding compounds were rubber during prolonged immersion or
unaffected by this 30-day exposure. contact. However, when silicone fluids are
• TEFLON® coating has been successfully used to provide surface coatings to impart
used in contact with both dimethyl and slip to rubber parts, no effect is noted.
phenyl materials. Rubber materials with little or no plasticizer
• Cellulose acetate butyrate is stiffened compatible with silicone fluids are unaf-
and crazed by SF96 dimethyl fluids. fected. Examples of such rubbers are
Neoprene, butyl, nitrile, natural and
• Evidence exists that silicone fluids con-
fluororubber.
tribute to stress-cracking of polyethylene.
This plastic must be stress-relieved to Rubber compounds can be affected by
operate reliably in contact with silicone immersion in silicone fluids. The effect
fluids for long periods of time. The varies with the viscosity of the fluid, com-
linear polyethylene and polypropylenes position of the rubber and temperature.
are less susceptible to stress-cracking. The effect is usually a reduction of weight
and volume and an increase in hardness
• Polyacetal (DELRIN®) is stiffened and
caused by leaching of the plasticizer.
crazed by both dimethyl and phenyl fluids.
• Long period contact with highly plasti-
cized materials such as polyvinyl chloride Rubber in Silicone Fluid Systems

TECHNICAL S U P P L E M E N T
(PVC) should be avoided since the Recommended
silicone fluids leach out the plasticizer, Service Temp.
Type Product Range, ˚F
causing shrinkage and hardening.
Chloroprene Neoprene -40 TO 200
Isobutylene- Butyl -40 to 200
Isoprene
Effect on Plastic After 30-Day Immersion
Nitrile-Butadiene Nitrile Buna N -40 to 200
Plastic Dimethyl Phenyl
SF96® (350) Containing SF Fluororubber VITON®
FLUORELTM -20 to 450
Nylon No Effect No Effect

Polystyrene No Effect No Effect

Methacrylics No Effect No Effect

Modified Methacrylics No Effect No Effect Metals

fluids
Polycarbonates • Metal alloys such as stainless steel,
(LEXAN®) No Effect No Effect
cold-rolled steel, aluminum, duralumin,
Phenolics No Effect No Effect nickel, magnesium, zinc, cadmium,
Cellulose Acetate titanium, silver and monel have no
Butyrate Stiffened No Effect
appreciable effect on silicone fluids at
Polyacetal Stiffened Stiffened temperatures up to 204˚C (400˚F).
(DELRIN®) & Crazed & Crazed

Polyethylene *Some Stress *Some Stress

• Copper and phosphor bronze act as oxi-
Cracking Cracking dation inhibitors to the dimethyl fluids
Linear Polyethylene *Some Stress *Some Stress up to 204˚C (400˚F) and stabilize the
Cracking Cracking viscosity of the fluid. Lead also inhibits
Linear Polypropylene *Some Stress *Some Stress gelation of dimethyl fluids although
Cracking Cracking
relatively high weight loss occurs. Some
Polyvinyl Chloride Shrinks & Shrinks &
Hardens Hardens
brasses may cause gelation of the fluid.
Selenium and tellurium should also be
PIFE (TEFLON®) No Effect No Effect
avoided as there is evidence that these
* Linear polyethylene and linear polypropylene are not as susceptible
to stress-cracking or crazing as ordinary polyethylene. metals act as catalysts for gelation of
silicone fluids.

15
SIL406413.FluidsBroREV.qxd 3/23/01 3:43 PM Page 19

page 16 Metals (cont.) This method is reasonably accurate in

• Metals (cont.)
predicting blend viscosity when the two
Effect on Silicone Fluid at High Temperatures
fluids differ in viscosity by no more than
• Blending Silicone Metal Dimethyl Phenyl
Fluids one magnitude (one power of ten).
Aluminum None None
When fluids covering a wider range are
Stainless Steel None None
blended, the chart will only approximate
Cold-Rolled Steel None None the finished viscosity. SF96-350 and SF96-
Duralumin None None 1000 fluids are used in the example in
Nickel None None the chart. To blend a viscosity at approxi-
Magnesium None None mately 500 centistokes, use about 35%
Zinc None None SF96-1000.
Cadmium None None
Titanium None None
100,000 100,000
Silver None None
Monel None None 60,000 60,000
Copper *Inhibits None
Gelation
30,000 30,000
Phosphor Bronze *Inhibits None
Gelation
Lead Inhibits Causes
Gelation Volatilization
10,000 10,000

Lower Viscosity, Centistokes

Higher Viscosity, Centistokes

Yellow brass Causes None
Gelation
Selenium Causes Causes 5,000 5,000
Gelation Gelation
Tellurium Causes Causes
Gelation Gelation 2,000 2,000
*Copper and phosphor breeze inhibit gelation up to 204˚C (400˚F). At higher
temperature, little effect is noted.
1,000 1,000

Blending Silicone Fluids

Any standard viscosity grade of SF96®, SF97 500 500
or Viscasil® fluids can be blended together 350 350
with another viscosity grade of the same
fluid to produce an intermediate viscosity. 200 200

This blend chart provides a means for

fluids
determining the proper blend ratio. 100 100
10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90
Blend Scale for Intermediate Viscosities % Higher Viscosity

The chart should be used as follows:

1. Decide upon viscosity grades to be
blended. For high accuracy, measure
actual viscosity of blending fluids.
2. Locate lower viscosity on left hand scale.
3. Locate higher viscosity on right
hand scale.
4. Connect these two points with a
straight line.
5. Locate the point where the line indicat-
ing the desired blend viscosity intersects
the constructed line. From this point,
follow down to read the percent of high-
er viscosity fluid to use in the blend.
16
SIL406413.FluidsBroREV.qxd 3/23/01 3:43 PM Page 1

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