Although their core components are closely related, phenyl silicone oil and phenyl silicone emulsion differ significantly in their form, performance, and applications. The main differences are as follows:
The basic form and composition differ. Phenyl silicone oil is a homogeneous, transparent, oily liquid composed of polysiloxane with some methyl groups substituted by phenyl groups. It is a pure organosilicon compound and lacks a dispersion medium. Phenyl silicone emulsion, on the other hand, is an oil-in-water or oil-in-water dispersion system, with phenyl silicone oil as the dispersed phase, dispersed in water or other media with an emulsifier. It appears as a milky white emulsion and contains auxiliary ingredients such as emulsifiers and stabilizers in addition to silicone oil.
The performance characteristics differ. Phenyl silicone oil retains the high-temperature and radiation resistance of silicone, and the higher the phenyl content, the better the low-temperature fluidity and flame resistance. However, it is highly hydrophobic and has poor compatibility with water-based systems. Phenyl silicone oil emulsions, due to their aqueous phase, have improved hydrophilicity and are easier to mix with water-based systems. However, their high-temperature resistance is slightly lower than that of pure phenyl silicone oil, and due to the stability of the emulsifier, they tend to separate at low temperatures.
Application scenarios vary. Phenyl silicone oils are primarily used in high-temperature environments, such as lubricants in the aerospace industry and insulating oils for electronic components. Phenyl silicone oil emulsions are suitable for use in textiles and daily chemicals, for example as fabric softeners and slip additives in cosmetics, and can be more easily integrated with water-based processes.