Silicones play a major role in the protection and insulation of electro-technical equipment.
The methyl groups regularly spaced throughout silicone macromolecules are non-polar and do not allow electric current to pass through them.
Silicones are therefore non-conductive and are excellent electrical insulators. These properties make silicones key to the insulation of power transformer coils, high voltage transmission lines and power and electrical ignition system cabling. Moreover, glass braids and plates impregnated with silicone resins make good insulating materials.
“The automotive industry makes extensive use of silicones to insulate products such as high performance, self-lubricating connectors for electronic transmission cable ends.”