Silicone, often mistaken for a synthetic rubber, is actually a synthetic polymer made primarily of silicon, carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen. Silicones are produced in various forms including silicone oil, silicone grease, silicone rubber, silicone resin, and silicone caulk.
As a material for furniture, silicone can be used in multiple contexts due to its unique properties. Here are some characteristics of silicone that make it a suitable material for furniture use:
Durability: Silicone is known for its longevity and ability to resist weathering. It doesn't degrade easily over time, which means it can be ideal for outdoor furniture parts that need to withstand various weather conditions.
Flexibility: Despite being durable, silicone maintains a significant degree of flexibility. This property allows it to be used in furniture designs that require some movement or elasticity, such as cushions or modular pieces that need to be adjusted or reconfigured.
Temperature Resistance: Silicone can withstand extreme temperatures without losing its properties, making it suitable for furniture pieces that might be exposed to various temperature ranges, such as outdoor settings or pieces close to heating elements.
: Silicone does not absorb water and can form watertight seals. This makes it great for outdoor furniture covers, protective coatings for wooden furniture, or components in furniture pieces susceptible to spills.
