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Polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS), commonly designated in cosmetic formulation as Dimethicone and in heavy industry as Dimethyl Silicone Oil, represents a linear, non-reactive polymeric organosilicon compound. Its structural backbone consists of alternating silicon-oxygen (Si-O-Si) units terminated with methyl groups. The chemical formula is expressed as CH3[Si(CH3)2O]nSi(CH3)3.
The unique performance advantages of PDMS stem directly from this inorganic backbone paired with organic side chains. The bond angle of Si-O-Si (approx. 143°) is significantly wider than that of typical carbon chains, yielding exceptionally low torsional energy barriers. This configuration permits massive chain flexibility, giving Dimethicone its signature liquid property at extreme molecular weights, low glass transition temperatures (Tg ≈ -125°C), and remarkably low surface tension (≈ 20-21 mN/m).
YuantaiRun supplies high-purity PDMS across a broad spectrum of engineered viscosities: 5 cSt, 100 cSt, 350 cSt, 500 cSt, 1000 cSt, 5000 cSt, and 12500 cSt. Controlling the polymer chain length (represented by 'n' in the formula) allows us to optimize performance metrics such as spreadability, film-forming thickness, and shear resistance to fit exact application criteria.
| Nominal Viscosity (cSt) | Molecular Weight (Da) | Refractive Index | Primary Sector |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 cSt | ~800 | 1.390 - 1.398 | Volatile substitute, dry-slip cosmetics |
| 100 - 350 cSt | ~6,000 - 14,000 | 1.400 - 1.404 | Standard skin barrier, personal care |
| 500 - 1,000 cSt | ~17,000 - 28,000 | 1.403 - 1.405 | Hair conditioning, industrial lubrication |
| 5,000 - 12,500 cSt | ~49,000 - 75,000 | 1.404 - 1.406 | Waterproof film-formers, damping fluids |
Understanding how Dimethicone behaves at phase interfaces enables formulators to manipulate key sensory and protective attributes.
Upon application, the volatile carriers evaporate, leaving behind a highly cohesive, breathable, and water-repellent polymeric barrier. The methyl groups orient outwards, forming a hydrophobic shield with high contact angles against water droplets, preventing transepidermal water loss (TEWL) and wash-off in sunscreen and makeup.
In mechanical and biological applications, PDMS aligns along shear planes. Under stress, the intermolecular slip between the methyl-decorated chains reduces friction coefficients significantly. This provides a non-greasy, silky skin glide in cosmetics and reduces wear-and-tear in precision industrial gear systems.
The Si-O backbone possesses high bond dissociation energy (460 kJ/mol vs C-C at 348 kJ/mol), giving the polymer outstanding resistance to thermal oxidation. Even under prolonged exposure to temperatures up to 200°C, the fluid maintains its physical properties, making it an excellent industrial dielectric and heat transfer media.
Suzhou Yuantairun Chemical Co., Ltd. combines advanced chemical synthesis with a highly reliable supply chain infrastructure.
We supply a comprehensive suite of primary raw materials, surfactants, and silicone fluids for simplified procurement.
Our dedicated testing laboratories conduct gas chromatography and viscosity verification on every batch for flawless stability.
Optimized manufacturing and bulk monomer purchasing agreements allow us to deliver superior grade chemistry at sustainable prices.
We keep large buffer inventories of key viscosity grades (5/350/1000/12500 cSt) to fulfill unexpected demand and avoid operational downtime.
As a key industry differentiator, YuantaiRun maintains strict separation between Cosmetic Grade and Industrial Grade Polydimethylsiloxane production streams. Each grade is tailored to comply with respective global regulatory requirements.
Cosmetic Grade Dimethicone: Primarily focuses on minimizing residual volatile cyclic siloxanes (D4, D5, and D6 monomers). In compliance with the European Union's REACH regulations, our cosmetic-grade fluids keep trace D4 (Octamethylcyclotetrasiloxane) levels well below 0.1% (1000 ppm), mitigating bioaccumulation concerns. Additionally, these oils undergo double deodorization processes to eliminate trace odor components, ensuring compatibility with fragrance-sensitive formulations.
Industrial Grade Dimethicone: Engineered to maximize stability and structural consistency. The focus shifts toward maintaining uniform polymer length distributions, ensuring predictable viscosity behavior under high shear conditions. These fluids serve as excellent mold release agents, mechanical dampening fluids, and lubricants, providing long service life without gelling or thermal breakdown.
We are a leading daily chemical raw materials supplier committed to assisting formulation development, product commercialization, and global supply chain logistics. From our headquarters in Suzhou, China, we operate state-of-the-art storage and distribution centers designed to service multi-national personal care brands and industrial manufacturers alike.
By implementing a rigorous ISO 9001-certified Quality Management System and maintaining active compliance with REACH, FDA, and local chemical safety standards, we ensure that every drum of Dimethicone shipped meets our customer's precise specifications.
How Polydimethylsiloxane addresses major industrial challenges across primary manufacturing sectors.
The production of silicon metal and organosilicon monomers (DMC) is heavily concentrated. YuantaiRun utilizes strategic upstream partnerships to buffer against supply disruptions and feedstock price volatility, delivering stable monthly allocations of Dimethicone directly to buyers in North America, Europe, and Southeast Asia.
Modern consumers demand high performance without greasy residues. Utilizing low-viscosity Dimethicone (5 cSt to 100 cSt) in combination with plant-derived esters allows cosmetic chemists to design formulas that mimic the volatility of cyclic silicones (like D5) while staying compliant with clean beauty retailer ban lists.
Navigating varying regional regulatory requirements is a significant challenge. Our cosmetic grade silicone fluids are fully documented with SDS, COA, TSE/BSE declarations, and heavy metal analyses, ensuring simple registration under US MoCRA, EU cosmetics regulations, and China's NMPA filing codes.
Discover how our chemistry optimizes processing efficiency and final product characteristics.
Utilizes SLES and AOS as core surfactants for high detergency and rich foam. Combined with CMEA thickeners for optimal viscosity. Safe, mild formulas compliant with international standards, minimizing skin irritation while delivering deep clean properties.
Features Sodium Cocoyl Glutamate and Sodium Lauroyl Sarcosinate for gentle cleansing ideal for sensitive skin. Natural amino acid-based surfactants create dense, easily rinsable foam without compromising skin barrier hydration. ECOCERT compliant.
Uses cationic surfactant Cetrimonium Chloride for improved fiber softening and anti-static performance. Concentrated systems reduce packaging footprint and logistics costs, supporting sustainable cold-water laundry cycles.
Combines amphoteric CAB-35 and non-ionic Lauryl Glucoside for luxurious, low-residue foam. Sulfate-free formulations maintain natural lipid barrier integrity. Enhanced with Xanthan Gum for high structural suspension and stability.
Driven by Linear Alkylbenzene Sulfonate (LAS) and Glycol Distearate (EGDS) solvents for rapid breakdown of grease. Enhanced biodegradability profiles comply with industrial wastewater discharge regulations.
Polydimethylsiloxane (350 cSt and 1000 cSt) forms an ultra-thin, heat-stable release film on mold surfaces. Prevents adhesion in rubber extrusion, plastic injection molding, and die-casting operations without carbonizing.
Integrating Dimethicone into real-world production processes requires adjustments in emulsification techniques and viscosity matching. Below are detailed guidelines across major application fields:
| Application Field | Recommended Viscosity | Inclusion Rate (wt.%) | Functionality & Processing Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| Daily Skin Creams & Lotions | 100 cSt to 350 cSt | 1.0% - 5.0% | Reduces soaping (whitening during application), provides immediate smooth slip, and establishes a flexible water-repellent barrier. Introduce in the oil phase before emulsification. |
| Waterproof Sunscreens (SPF) | 350 cSt to 1,000 cSt | 2.0% - 7.0% | Enhances pigment dispersion (Zinc Oxide/Titanium Dioxide) and prevents wash-off from sweat or swimming. Creates a uniform, non-migrating film across the epidermis. |
| Hair Conditioners & Serums | 1,000 cSt to 5,000 cSt | 0.5% - 3.0% | Coats damaged hair cuticles to reduce combing friction, dynamic static, and moisture loss. High molecular weight variants deposit selectively on hair shafts for long-lasting softness. |
| Plastic & Rubber Mold Release | 350 cSt or 1,000 cSt | Spray/Wipe direct or emulsion | Provides high thermal stability (up to 200°C) with minimal mold buildup. Best applied as a diluted emulsion (3% to 5% active silicone) via spraying systems. |
| Precision Mechanical Lubrication | 5,000 cSt to 12,500 cSt | Neat (100% active fluid) | Used as high-damping fluid in instrument gauges, dashpots, and small gear boxes. Offers flat viscosity-temperature curves, preventing performance shifts in cold weather. |
We tailor our products and services to address unique customer requirements and specific market applications.
We customize surfactant blends and emollient packages according to your end-use scenario, such as hospitality amenities, salon backbar supplies, or consumer retail lines, matching specific viscosity and pricing points.
Fragrance profiles, enzyme concentrations, and packaging parameters can be customized to align with local environmental rules and regional preferences.
Mild amino-acid surfactant options combined with custom packaging designs suitable for shopping malls, food service establishments, medical institutions, and high-frequency commercial settings.
The global organosilicon market is evolving toward higher environmental accountability, energy efficiency, and strict chemical safety profiles. YuantaiRun is actively aligned with these technological trends through three primary R&D focuses:
Expert answers to the most common questions regarding chemical properties, performance, and application of Polydimethylsiloxane.
CAS 63148-62-9 is the standard chemical registry number for Polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) and Dimethicone, representing the linear dimethyl-terminated polymer. CAS 9006-65-9 is often used for Dimethicone formulation mixtures or specific commercial preparation codes. For international chemical inventory compliance, CAS 63148-62-9 is the globally recognized designation for pure PDMS.
Viscosity determines the sensory characteristics and layer thickness on the skin. Low-viscosity grades (5 cSt to 50 cSt) are highly spreadable, providing a light, dry touch similar to cyclomethicone. Medium-viscosity grades (100 cSt to 1,000 cSt) offer moderate slip and barrier properties without feeling heavy. High-viscosity grades (over 5,000 cSt) form robust, long-lasting waterproof films, ideal for transfer-resistant lipsticks and skin barrier creams.
Pure Dimethicone has limited solubility in highly polar natural vegetable oils (triglycerides). Formulations combining both often require coupling agents such as Caprylic/Capric Triglycerides, alkyl-modified silicones, or esters like Cetyl Ethylhexanoate to establish a stable oil phase before emulsification.
Dimethicone has a non-comedogenic rating of 0. Its unique molecular structure features wide bond angles that form a breathable, mesh-like structure on the skin. This allows oxygen and water vapor exchange while shielding against liquid water, preventing the clogging of pores.
Because of its low surface tension, Dimethicone spreads rapidly across mold details. Its low intermolecular forces ensure easy separation of molded components. Furthermore, its high thermal stability prevents oxidation or carbonization residue, maintaining clean mold surfaces over repeated cycles.
Yes. Industrial-grade PDMS exhibits high dielectric strength (typically >30 kV/mm) and low dielectric constants. This, combined with low moisture absorption and high thermal stability, makes it an excellent damping and insulating fluid for transformers and high-voltage switchgear.
Our Cosmetic Grade Dimethicone is controlled during distillation to keep D4 (Octamethylcyclotetrasiloxane) levels below 0.1% (1000 ppm), satisfying EU regulatory limits for wash-off and leave-on cosmetics. Analytical test reports are available upon request.
For stable emulsions, non-ionic surfactants such as Ceteareth-20, PEG-20 Glyceryl Triisostearate, or Cetyl Stearyl Alcohol are highly effective. Polymer thickeners like Carbomer or Xanthan Gum also help stabilize the water phase and prevent creaming.
Lower viscosity grades (under 1,000 cSt) exhibit Newtonian behavior, keeping a stable viscosity across varying shear rates. Higher viscosity grades (above 5,000 cSt) display shear-thinning (non-Newtonian) properties under high shear stress, which aids in easy application and thick barrier performance.
When stored in original unopened containers below 30°C in a dry environment, Dimethicone has a shelf life of at least 24 to 36 months. Exposure to strong acids or bases should be avoided, as they can trigger catalytic polymerization or depolymerization of the silicone chain.
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