Since the car is still the preferred mode
of transport, let us first have a look at the many varied uses
of silicone products in the automotive industry. High-tech
silicone products are also to be found in public transport.
Electronics
Both spark-plug boots (left) and ignition
cables (center left) are jacketed with silicones. Their
weatherproof properties ensure that car electronics are
reliable. The highly sensitive car electronics (center
right: circuit board) require special weather protection.
That is why the entire circuit board is embedded in silicone
rubber. The ABS-control device is additionally jacketed
with protective silicone rubber (right).
Mechanics
In the fluid clutch shown on the right, high-viscosity
silicone fluids (see also the experiment “Viscosity
of silicone fluids”) provide the power transmission.
The high stability of the viscosity of the silicone fluids
employed is key to the service life of such clutches.
Safety
An airbag (left) is only safe if it is
absolutely airtight when it inflates. This is achieved
by covering the fabric with an extremely thin layer of
silicone (right).
Electrically
Conducting Silicone Rubber – so that the train door
does not become a death trap
The Intercity Express (ICE) train is regarded
as one of the most advanced means of transport of our age.
Consequently, its doors also have to be safe. If an object
or a person were to be trapped by a closing door, an electrically
conducting silicone rubber would ensure that the door opened
again.
The outside of the door gasket is made of insulating rubber.
Inside the tube, there are two parallel longitudinal strips
of electrically conducting silicone rubber. When an object
is trapped in the door, these strips are pressed against
each other, an electrical circuit is closed and a signal
is sent in the mA range to a relay to make the door open
again. The danger is then averted.
Car of the Future
GENIOPERL® helps to prevent stone-chip damage to the paint of modern cars. GENIOMER®, with its excellent damping qualities and transparency, has potential applications in sensor and optical-waveguide technology for the automobile industry.
Silicones are also used in shipbuilding, particularly in elastic couplings for transmissions with high thermal and mechanical loads. In the pictures below, the silicone component in the coupling is a milky, dark yellow color.
