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Which silicone grease is better

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Nowadays, silicone greases are widely used in a variety of areas, both in industrial production and in everyday life. Liquid silicone or so-called 'silicone oil' is part of many products commonly used in plumbing, for example, it is a major component of the impregnation of plumbing cord, and it is also used as the basis for creating various plumbing greases. Silicone-based greases help protect the surfaces of sealing parts from high and low temperatures, rapid aging and constant contact with water. 

Grease is widely used for the installation of plastic pipes, reducing friction in the moving mechanisms during the assembly of utility communications. Silicones are known to improve electrical insulation and repel water, thus, silicone-based fluids can be used to treat wires. Household silicone greases have proven themselves on the market as one of the most versatile and effective options for household use – in this article we'll look at the different types and qualities of silicone greases and explain their areas of application.

What are silicone greases

Silicone grease is a translucent white viscous substance that always contains liquid silicone in its base, although the specific components and their ratios vary depending on the application. Greases are available in different forms: aerosols, liquids and plastic viscous pastes. Although the properties of all three options remain the same, each of them has its own specific applications.

Aerosol greases

Aerosol silicone grease is a mixture of silicone and volatile solvents that evaporates quickly after application. It is convenient and easy to use, moreover, it does not require additional tools to apply – the spray penetrates easily into the gaps between the metal parts, almost instantly reducing the friction between them. There is a variety of aerosol greasing fluids with a special solvent: in this case, they evaporate immediately after application, leaving a thick layer on the surface of the greased element.

Liquid greases

Liquid greases are basically pure silicone oil, but depending on the specific application, oils with different viscosities are used. They come in a variety of packages, from small bottles to large containers. As a rule, the product is applied using improvised tools: applicator, coming with a balloon, or even a simple brush. Sometimes the package with grease is equipped with a special long thin spout, allowing the fluid to penetrate into the narrow, hard-to-reach places on the junction of mechanical parts.

Plastic compounds

Thick greases, another name for them is plastic greases. They have a viscous consistency, so that they adhere well to any surface, but it is because of the viscosity it is harder to distribute them evenly. Therefore, they are most often used for the greasing of devices in which components need protection of parts exposed to high friction: for bearings, hinges, gears. The main advantage of thick greases is to provide the greased components with greater resistance to high physical loads.

Composition and properties of silicone grease

The viscosity of the grease depends on both the viscosity of the base silicone oil (depending on the degree of polymerization, the oil viscosity can be between 1.5 and 1,000,000 mm2/s) and the nature and amount of the thickener added during production, which can be lithium soaps or silica. Additives in pure silicone oil increase the temperature range, at which the substance can be used: the standard operating temperature of simple silicone-based oil is from -140 °C to +200 °C, and in sealing – up to +250 °C, and the introduction of additives soot or copper phthalocyanine in the liquid increases the upper limit of acceptable temperature up to +315 °C.

Although the individual properties and the performance of each particular compound depend on the type and amount of thickener and additives added, in general all silicone oil-based greases share a number of similar characteristics:

Good adhesion or bonding of surfaces – silicone greases adhere well to any structural material including metal, rubber, plastic, leather and even glass;

Safety – silicone-based greases are among the safest for humans, although they can release harmful substances when heated, so before using them, it is advisable to read the instructions and safety regulations specified therein. Silicone greases are non-flammable;

High resistance to environmental factors – greases have proven to be one of the most resistant to temperature fluctuations, moisture and electricity. Silicone blocks electric current and is impervious to water, making it one of the most preferred products for greasing electrical devices and parts in them.

Advantages and disadvantages of silicone greases

Due to its useful properties, silicone grease effectively protects surfaces from the damaging effects of the environment, reliably preserving the original properties of the greased materials. The ease of use of silicone oil in working with a wide variety of materials, as well as safety in its use have ensured the popularity of this type of grease.

Among the advantages of silicone greases are the following:

  • Versatility – silicone-based greases are suitable for use on virtually any coating, including rubber and fabric. Due to their versatility and high retention qualities, greases are widely used in both industrial processes and households;
  • High antifriction effect – silicone grease significantly reduces friction of parts in the mechanism regardless of the material and eliminates unpleasant sounds during operation of devices, prolonging the life of the mechanism. Most often in everyday life grease is used precisely to improve the sliding of elements in the structure, whether it is a shaft from the fan or the hinges on the front door;
  • Water repellent – silicone compounds are hydrophobic, they displace water and effectively prevent its further accumulation. Because of this quality, silicone-based greases are used in households to protect against moisture any surfaces, including fabric surfaces. Water resistance also makes silicone oils the preferred treatment for door locks in winter, as silicone prevents water from entering the keyhole and turning to ice;
  • Dielectric and antistatic properties – these products do not conduct current and reduce the electrification of polymeric materials, making them excellent for cable treatment;
  • High resistance to oxidation processes – greases effectively protect metal surfaces from corrosive processes, thus not only improving the sliding of parts, but also extending the life of metal structures;

Thus, silicone oil-based greases help preserve materials and protect against external destructive factors. For all their wide range of application, silicone greases turn out to be very useful and even necessary in households. Their properties are particularly appreciated by owners of passenger cars.

However, this type of greases also has a number of disadvantages:

  • Hard to clean – the best way to remove silicone are special products that can be found in hardware stores. The most common remedies used to remove the residue are alcohol solutions, acetone, vinegar, and petroleum solvents. It can be especially difficult to wash grease off a car windshield;
  • The repulsion of chemicals, including a variety of paints and varnishes, which makes painting surfaces coated with silicone a very difficult process, so sometimes manufacturers simply refuse to use these greases, especially in the automotive industry;

Low load-bearing qualities – although silicone greases reliably reduce metal friction in low-power mechanisms, they are not suitable for parts regularly exposed to high mechanical load.

Areas of application

Silicone grease has many applications, from the manufacture of various mechanisms and parts to domestic use to improve the performance of devices. In everyday life, the grease will be indispensable for prolonging the operation of various equipment and restoring home utensils.

Industrial applications

In industry, silicone greases are used to lubricate metal molds in the manufacture of plastic and rubber products, as well as in die-casting of aluminum alloys. Silicone-based fluids are used to grease conveyor belts, dies and bearings. Greases are excellent for the treatment of rotating and rubbing parts. Silicone fluids are also used in welding to protect surfaces from welding sparks.

Automotive applications

Silicone greases are the most widely used by car owners. There are many options for their use in this area, so let's take a closer look at the main advantages of using silicone fluids for automobile transport:

Treatment of rubber gaskets

The gaskets are located on the edges of the windows, doors and hood of the car, they ensure a tight and airtight closure. Rubber wears out due to temperature, ultraviolet sunlight, and constant friction. Silicone treatment allows the rubber gaskets to retain their properties much longer, prevents the formation of cracks and prevents the sealing element from drying out. In addition, after treatment, rubber gaskets regain their original appearance and shine.

Car locks lubrication

Lubricating car locks is especially important in the winter, because when the snow melts water can get into the keyhole and clog it when it freezes again, as a result of which it will be impossible to open the car without preheating. The temperature- and water-resistant grease will keep ice from clogging the key hole. It will be enough to simply spray silicone aerosol into the keyhole.

Electrical Insulation

Silicone grease is great for treating the clamps that connect the wires inside the car battery. Aerosols help protect small contacts and circuits from moisture without impeding the flow of electrical current, while thick plastic products are suitable for treating battery contacts.

Silicone grease has a number of other beneficial effects:

  • Reduces friction in disc brake systems;
  • It takes the squeak out of the plastic body parts;
  • Lubricates door hinges;
  • Suitable for the treatment of rubber tires for wheels during their storage;
  • It is used for lubrication of various small elements, including rubber bushings, spigots and engine pads.

Household applications

The range of uses of silicone greases in the economy is very wide – it shows the versatility and environmental safety of the product. Silicone grease can be used on almost anything, from household appliances to photographic equipment. A common use is to grease door hinges to get rid of the nasty creaking mechanism. Silicone-based sealants are used to grease rubber gaskets in window and door structures. Aerosol fluids allow you to grease any rotating parts of mechanisms, from fan shafts to fishing spinner reels.

Due to their water-repellent properties, silicone oil-based greases are often used to protect electrical appliances from moisture, as well as to protect cables when pulling them through pipes. In turn, tourists, going on a hike, treated with the tool clothes and shoes, backpacks and even tents, thus protecting the fabric from getting wet.

Some household items are particularly demanding when it comes to choosing a grease. As you know, for sewing machines is recommended to use machine oil or a special grease designed for them. To avoid wasting time selecting the right product, you can pay attention to the universal silicone grease. It is ideal for the treatment of small metal elements, including in sewing devices, with its help you can easily grease the hook and moving parts of the machine, ensuring them smoothly glide and long life. The tube's thin, long spout makes it easy to apply fluid to hard-to-reach areas of the machine, grease the shuttle compartment and all adjacent parts, the bobbin case and the handle joint if the machine is hand-held.

Manufacturer of silicone greases

Today there is a huge variety of household greases for a variety of needs in the stores. Masterprof Company has been following the customer's needs for ten years and tries to produce the highest quality, easy-to-use products. Universal silicone grease of our own production today is one of the best on the market – it is suitable for all tasks and will be indispensable not only in plumbing, but also in everyday life.

Manufacturer of silicone greases

Masterprof silicone grease

This universal proprietary silicone-based grease contains thickeners and fluoroplastic, which provides excellent anti-friction and heat-insulating properties. It is suitable for the treatment of all domestic appliances and can be used for the greasing of sewage pipes, gaskets and fittings of plumbing fixtures, as well as couplings and adapters for garden hoses.

Masterprof Universal Silicone Grease:

  • Effectively prevents moisture from entering the cables, allowing the electrical wiring system to be run safely through the pipes;
  • Reliably lubricates door hinges and locks, eliminates creaking, prevents freezing of the keyhole;
  • Protects rubber materials from aging and loss of their original gloss;
  • Helps seal the structure when assembling plastic pipe couplings and when installing rubber gaskets. 

Proper care of plumbing gaskets is not only of practical importance, but also of economic importance. Replacing damaged gaskets can be a costly procedure, and lack of sealing in the water system leads to serious problems such as water leaks, damage to walls and ceilings, and the possibility of mold and mildew forming in the room, so check the condition of the gasket regularly. If you notice cracks, wear or damage, replace it with a new one.