Silicone used in our silicone products and accessories, including our best-selling silicone tubing, is a synthetic polymer, or a rubber, that is long-lasting and extremely versatile. Silicone is used to manufacture many products, including everything from sealant and medicine to electrical insulation, rubber, and caulking. It has dozens of useful applications, including in personal care products, photovoltaic cells that are used in solar panels, keyboards, building materials, and so much more.

Flex Technologies is a leader in silicone tubing and hoses for many industries and applications. We offer silicone hoses for HVAC uses, restaurants, textiles, outdoors and recreation, medical applications, the automotive industry, and so many more. Below, we'll take a look at the most common issues with silicone products and accessories. Get in touch today!

Tears Easily

While silicone is known for its heat resistant and hygienic nature, as well as its long shelf life and flexibility, silicone can tear easily. Other ingredients can be added in order to fortify its nature, but at the end of the day, taking care with silicone products when it comes to ripping and tearing is in order.

Can Become Discolored

Silicone can become discolored if they are used for a long time without the proper care. This can be caused by substances inside the tubing such as coffee or tea. With regular cleanings and maybe an occasional deep clean, you should be able to remove the color and have clear products once again.

Can Absorb Pollution and Odors

The material components of silicon tend to have a very strong absorption force. Thus, silicone itself is known to absorb dust and odors, which can be unhelpful if you are using your silicone tubing or hoses for brewing or for medical purposes.

Silicone is Not Immune to Mold Growth

Many plastics are naturally immune to mold growth due to their chemical nature. Silicone, on the other hand, is not, especially if additives are included in the final product. Plus, depending on the materials you use silicone with, you can experience mold growth, too. One of the best preventative methods for your flexible silicone tubing is to be sure to store your unused silicone hose dry and where there is good ventilation.

Silicone is Not Flame-Resistant

No doubt silicone is a tough material. However, it's not indestructible. Silicone, like most plastic-based materials, burns easily. However, this problem is solved by many silicone tubing and hoses manufacturers by adding in flame-retardant additives. Because of this, silicone has become widely used in the fire protective clothing industry.

Silicone is Not a Universal Product

Silicone has many great uses in dozens of industries. That being said, it's not a catch-all for all of your applications. It's important to be aware of the cases where silicone hoses are not the best fit. For example, silicone is not the best for oil fuels and solvents, nor is it recommended to be used in flooring. It is also very difficult to paint silicone products.

Silicone and Bleach Don't Mix

Bleach is a powerful product all on its own. Thus, if silicone and bleach come into contact for a good amount of time, the silicone can degrade and have its integrity compromised by the bleach. This is why you should not have a silicone sealant for use when in contact with bleach products. However, small amounts of bleach, such as cleaning with bleach, is perfectly okay as long as it does not make contact for an extended length of time.

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Flex Technologies is a leader in the silicone tubing and hoses industry. We are known for producing the highest-quality silicone products that are durable and strong. We take pride in ensuring you receive the best. Shop online today!