Uses Of Silicon In Sports Apparels

Silicon (Si) is a nonmetallic chemical element that belongs to the carbon family (Group 14 [IVa] of the periodic table). Silicon makes up 27.7% of the Earth’s crust, making it the second most prevalent element in the crust after oxygen. Only oxygen exceeds the amount of silicon in the Earth’s crust in terms of weight. Pure silicon is a hard, dark grey solid with a metallic sheen and an octahedral crystalline structure comparable to that of diamond, which it shares many chemical and physical properties with.

Properties of Silicone:

The following are some of the most prevalent silicone properties:

• Silicones are chemically reactive and have limited thermal conductivity.
• In addition, their toxicity is low.
• It has the ability to repel water and create waterproof seals.
• Resistance to oxygen, ozone, and ultraviolet (UV) light is strong.
• It has both insulating and conductive characteristics.
• Gas permeability and thermal stability are both high.
• Organic molecules require superior solvents.

Winning solution for sportswear:

Many variables contribute to improved sports performance, including avoiding having to carry extra weight when practising or competing. People who participate in sports and outdoor leisure activities also want comfort elements like soft and stretchy textiles, as well as extremely specialised technical advantages. Silicones, for example, are utilised in the adhesive-based fabrics bonded to ski tips and tails to enable skiers to ascend slopes without slipping backwards while gliding forward on snowy terrains. Silicones are also employed in the socks of runners and skiers to provide traction and anti-slip properties.

Silicone Technology used in Textiles:

Silicone technology has revolutionised the textile business because it is used in the manufacturing process of textiles. Silicone technology’s new-age discovery allows textile makers to create functional fabrics, high-performance textiles, and intelligent textiles that meet consumer demands.

Silicones have a number of beneficial properties, including heat resistance, sunshine resistance, moisture resistance, chemical resistance, and age resistance. Sealants, adhesives, lubricants, medical applications, culinary utensils, and insulation are just a few of the applications. It has also made an appearance in the textile sector.

Advantages of Silicone in Textiles:

• Silicone technology is assisting textile makers in developing functional fabrics and high performance textiles, whether the consumer is trendy, wants comfort, or is on a budget.
• Silicone-based fabrics help consumers by providing long-lasting comfort and performance. Furthermore, silicone technology is capable of withstanding the most severe industrial obstacles.
• Manufacturers can choose from a wide choice of silicone products for textile applications from well-known businesses. Following that, producers create textiles based on consumer demand, such as fabrics that repel water, reduce wrinkles, and boost elasticity and resiliency.
• Clothing with a silicone coating is breathable and comfy. Silicone coating provides strength, resistance to harsh temperatures, moisture, UV radiation, and fire in industrial applications such as automotive, construction, and sporting goods.
• Silicone technology is playing an important role in decreasing the negative environmental effects of textile processing. Denim, for example, is created soft and wearable by a series of procedures that consume a lot of water, energy, time, and work.
• Denims are made soft and easy to wear thanks to the introduction of granular silicone softening technology, which uses fewer resources and even combines a few procedures, reducing water use by around 50 litres per pair.
• Silicone nano particles are being employed to make a superior sort of mosquito-repellent apparel, according to a June 2012 publication. The textiles are infused with silicon dioxide microparticles during this process. These nanoparticles have a non-toxic active ingredient that repels mosquitoes.
• Silicon dioxide is essentially sand and is environmentally safe. As contrast to the typical procedure, the substance in the nanoparticles is infused into the textile rather than dispersed on the exterior surface, the particles remain in the material for up to 90 washes.
• Fibers that can be used as solar cells have been developed as a result of new research. These are photovoltaic fibres made of silicon. It may be made into power-generating fabric, garments, tents, and backpacks, among other things.

Conclusion:

Silicones provide a number of advantages to the goods in which they are employed, including increased flexibility and moisture resistance, as well as resistance to heat, cold, and UV radiation. Solids, liquids, semi-viscous pastes, greases, oils, and rubber are all examples of silicone products.

Silicones keep water out of diving masks and goggles. Silicones allow innovative techniques to be used to create sportswear that is lightweight, durable, water repellent, and high performance while still enabling the fabric to breathe.