Polydimethylsiloxane
Silicone Oil, Dimethicone, Dimethylpolysiloxane
- CAS
- 63148-62-9
- EC
- 613-156-5
- Food Code
- E900
- Sectors
- Food & Nutrition, Personal Care & Cosmetics
Polydimethylsiloxane (CAS 63148-62-9), also known as silicone oil or PDMS, is a silicone fluid that appears as a clear, colorless, viscous oily liquid, and it is used as a conditioning agent in skin and hair products and as an antifoam in food processing and chemical manufacturing. It is available in a broad range of viscosities to support diverse industrial, cosmetic, and technical applications where long-term stability and purity are essential.
Typical Properties
| Appearance | viscous colourless liquid |
|---|---|
| Form | Oily Liquid |
| Color | Clear colorless |
| Odor | Odorless |
| Density | 0.95–0.97 g/cm³ (25 °C) |
| Water solubility | Practically insoluble |
| Flash point | >300 °C (350 cSt and above) |
| HS code | 39100000 |
| Grades available | Food Grade |
Typical literature values for identification; lot-specific results are stated on the certificate of analysis (COA) and the safety data sheet (SDS) that accompany every delivery.
Polydimethylsiloxane
Applications
Used as a conditioning agent in skin and hair formulations; as an antifoam in food processing, pharmaceuticals, and chemical manufacturing; as a heat-transfer fluid in equipment; as a dielectric medium in electrical devices; as a mould-release agent in plastics and rubber; and in precision instruments requiring consistent damping. Medical-grade types are used in ophthalmic and implant applications.
Safety & Risks
Low toxicity and generally safe to handle. May cause slight irritation with direct contact. Combustible at high temperatures; avoid contamination with strong oxidisers. Follow PPE guidelines for high-viscosity handling.
Packaging
Delivered in 1 kg bottles, 25 kg pails, or 200 kg drums. Store sealed in clean, dry warehouses and refer to SDS for handling recommendations.