Silicone

Acronym and details:   derived from sand

Group:   usually thermosets

Developed:   discovered in 1934; used commercially from 1942

Trade names:   Silastic

Manufacturing process:   injection moulding

Cost:   high

Colour:   any

Transparency:   translucent to opaque

Rigidity:   flexible

Feel:   soft and bouncy

Smell:   none

Other:   water-repellent; can be subjected to high heat without damage; bouncy; feels sensuous; softer than fingernail

Typical uses:   baking and ice trays; oven gloves; breast implants; baby teats; silly putty; micro-chips

Degradation:   relatively stable