Because silicones can withstand astonishing stress and temperature extremes, they are used in many aspects of aircraft and spacecraft assembly and maintenance. Adhesives and sealants are used to seal and protect the following from the elements: doors, windows, wings, fuel tanks, hydraulic switches, overhead bins, wing edges, leading gear electrical devices, vent ducts, engine gaskets, electrical wires and black boxes.

Silicones deliver the strength, adhesion and durability needed in high-performance automobiles, ocean vessels and spacecraft. Exteriors are more resistant to heat and cold, rain, wind, salt, abrasion, ultraviolet radiation and chemicals because of silicone adhesives and coatings used to extend theservice life of cars, boats and planes. Joints last longer and overall maintenance and repair is lesscostly. Silicone coatings ensure that airbags don’t deteriorate over time and that they remain gas-tightand heat-resistant under the pressure from rapid inflation and other extreme conditions, such as fire.Silicone coatings are also used as release agents to allow tire manufacturers to get the tires out oftheir manufacturing molds and silicone rubber is used in many tires to provide long wear life andsuperior traction.