Experiment § Application of Silicone for Fireproofing and Thermal Insulation
When it comes to resins that need to be heat-resistant, silicone is usually directly associated with them (Figure 1). The thermal cracking temperature of silicone in the air is around 300°C, and with the addition of antioxidants, it can reach around 400°C. However, what if the temperature exceeds 1,000°C, 2,000°C or even 3,000°C (Figure 2)? The heat-resistance of “Silicone” is not worth mentioning in front of such severe temperatures, but “burnt silicone” is a completely different story. Generally, hydrocarbon resins are mostly converted to carbon dioxide and water after burning, with a small portion becoming carbon residue. While the main chain of silicone is transformed into silica without dissipation, the methyl group of the side chain breaks the bond and dissipates, finally forming a special residual carbon “porous char layer” (Figure. 3). This char layer not only blocks high-temperature flames, but its porous structure effectively insulates against heat because it contains air, which has extremely low thermal conductivity. In particular, the melting point of silica is only around 1,700°C. In order to withstand higher temperatures, specific ceramic powders have to be mixed within the silicone, which effectively strengthens the porous char layer after combustion in order to withstand high temperatures of 2,000°C or more. There is really a lot to learn about utilizing “burnt things” to protect other parts from heat damage. ——Author: Dr. Zheng-Yang, Ye
Activity § Exhibitor Information
In the first half of the year, we participated in several international exhibitions. Including the Autotronics Taipei, Productronica China, Inatronics, and Autotech & Accessories Show (Figure 1-5). The objective is to expand the market to find more potential business opportunities and to learn more about the latest trends and technological developments in electronic products. During the exhibition, colleagues introduced our product features and applications in different fields to visitors in detail and also utilized their professional knowledge to answer customer questions. In the second half of the year, we will participate Nepcon Thailand and Microelectronics Exhibition and VIMF. Welcome to visit our booth and have a chat with us.
Knowledge § How to improve the adhesion of silicone?
The molecules of silicone are arranged in a spiral, and the dipole moments in different directions cancel each other out, making the polarity of silicone very low, and its surface energy is about the same as that of Teflon (PTFE). In the field of adhesion, there is room for improvement, both as a substrate and as an adhesive. There are two main methods to improve the adhesion of silicone: 1. Surface treatment agent (Primer): Primer is first applied to the surface of the substrate to produce physical adsorption or chemical bonding, and then poured into the silicone containing filler to cure. 2. Adhesion promoter: Adding an adhesion promoter to a silicone formulation that produces adhesion and adsorption or bonding to the surface of the substrate during the curing process can also improve adhesion. Although the adhesion mentioned above cannot be compared to epoxy resin or even acrylic resin, it is a great improvement for silicone and effective in areas that are not subjected to high stress.
Living § Thailand Travel Guide
I would like to recommend my home country of Thailand. Thailand is a very large country and you can choose a city according to your travel preferences. For first-time free travelers to Thailand, I recommend Bangkok. Because it is very easy to get around and has a large variety of lshopping malls and restaurants. If you prefer a cooler climate and beautiful mountain views, a trip to the northern part of Chiang Mai is recommended, with its many ancient temples and stunning natural landscapes. Some of the city centers in the Northeast are close to Laos, so the cultures and language are different. The south, such as Phuket and Koh Samui, etc., is a paradise for scuba divers to explore the colorful underwater world in crystal clear waters. The local bazaars, night markets, food, cultural and creative products, and authentic Thai massages are well worth experiencing. Prices in Thailand are relatively low and high-quality services and goods are available at reasonable prices. Taiwanese are now visa-free to enter Thailand, and the policy is valid until the beginning of November this year. Hurry up and plan your trip to Thailand! ——Author: Mrs. Mei-Ai, Song
