Silicone hoses are used in countless applications, in part because they’re made of a strong material that holds up under pressure.

For example, you can use silicone hoses in extreme industrial applications where temperatures are both hot and cold, where the humidity is practically through the roof, and where the pressure of fluids flowing through them is high, and they will perform beautifully!

Silicone hoses are also prominent within the confines of an internal combustion engine where heat and expansion are commonplace, and yet they perform reliably in this demanding environment, whether within airplanes, cars, trucks, boats, or other vehicles and watercraft.

One more thing to consider: In addition to holding up well in rigorous conditions, silicone is very flexible, making hoses and tubing made from this material the product of choice for tight spaces and applications where configurations need to be changed frequently.

With silicone hoses and tubing solving the problem of what to use in countless applications, the question begs to be asked: What makes silicone both strong and flexible at the same time?

Its Basic Composition

To answer this question, we need to check the basic composition of silicone.

It’s a polymer, which has a distinct molecular structure with similar components bonded together. The backbone of silicones consists of alternating atoms of silicon and oxygen, and organic groups are attached to these. The key to silicone’s strength is its specific molecular structure, which also lends itself to the following:

• Resists temperature extremes
• Unaffected by UV rays
• Repels moisture and water
• Discourages microbiological growth
• Resists ozone

The Pattern Of Its Makeup

Silicone hoses are smooth, in part because of the material’s neat molecular pattern. In addition to being used for hoses and tubing, silicone is found in sealants, lubricants, medical products, kitchen utensils, and electronics, and in whatever form you find it, it’s almost always smooth. Again, its molecular structure and the pattern it forms has a lot to do with this.

Depending on how the silicone is made (for example, the silicone-oxygen chains can vary in length or can be crosslinked in different ways), the resulting material will have different consistencies. Everything from a liquid to a hard plastic can be obtained.

This explains how we at Flex Tech can sell a wide range of silicone hoses and tubing products, some of which are more rigid, and some of which are highly flexible.

Strength For Performance

Now that you know more about the composition and structure of silicone, perhaps you can see how it’s built for strength. The regular patterns that make up silicone make this a very strong material, giving it a solid, ladder-like structure. This is why it’s not surprising to find silicone in manufacturing facilities, airplane engines, and water treatment plants. It holds up well under pressure and demanding environments.

Flexibility For Convenience

And even though it’s very strong, silicone is quite flexible! Manufacturers can achieve everything from a liquid to a hard plastic consistency, as well as the consistency of a gel or rubber.

This variety in composition makes it very convenient to use silicone hoses and tubing, since they can be rigid in places that require a hose that’s firmer, and flexible in areas that demand malleability.

To Learn More About Silicone Hoses

Now that you know a little bit more about what makes silicone both strong and flexible, you may decide that it’s the right material for your needs. To learn more about high-quality silicone hoses and tubing products, contact Flex Tech. We are a premier provider of silicone hose products, including connectors and custom designs, to companies and designers around the world. We’re here to answer your questions. Get in touch with Flex Tech today!