Silicon is a “inorganic synthetic polymer” whose main chain is composed of polysiloxane, which is the repetition of silicon(Si) and oxygen(O) atoms. The main chain of most organic synthetic polymers is composed of repeating carbon (C) atoms (1,2).
As the side chain of silicone molecules, it is possible to incorporate organic units, which may contribute a variety of features and generate advantageous hybrid materials.
Silicon is mostly generated from silica stone (SiO2), water, and methanol obtained from natural gas. Silicone is manufactured from these ingredients via complicated chemical processes. About sixty percent of the ingredients of the most frequently manufactured polydimethylsiloxane are sourced from silica and water.
