Polysiloxane coating: what it is and what it can do

A polysiloxane coating is a silicone-based coating. It protects materials against heat, water and weather. The FireMat Gold Edition is also coated with it. Here you can read what polysiloxane is and what the coating can do.

What is polysiloxane?

Polysiloxanes are plastics based on silicon and oxygen. In everyday life they are usually simply called silicones. Their silicon-oxygen backbone is very stable. They therefore withstand heat, UV light and water much better than many other plastics.

Properties of the coating

• Heat-resistant: It remains stable even at high temperatures.
• Water-repellent: Water and many liquids bead off.
• Weather-resistant: It withstands sun and rain and is therefore suitable for outdoor use.
• Flexible: It does not crack when the material bends.

Where is polysiloxane used?

Polysiloxane coatings are found, for example, in protective coatings for metal, in sealants and on technical textiles. On fabrics they make the surface tight, smooth and easy to clean.

The FireMat Gold Edition

The FireMat Gold Edition consists of a thick fabric made of Lapitron and para-aramid. Both sides have a flame-retardant polysiloxane coating. The result is a mat that withstands up to 800 °C and repels water and oil.

According to the data sheet, the material has also passed the fire test for cargo compartment liners in aircraft. A flame of around 1,000 °C did not get through. The Gold Edition is also certified by TÜV SÜD according to DIN EN ISO 11925-2.

What is the Gold Edition suitable for?

• In front of a wood-burning stove it reliably catches embers and soot. More in Spark protection mat for the fireplace.
• Under tealight heaters and candles. More in Fireproof mat for candles.
• When camping under the camping stove, as well as in motorhomes and wet areas. It is highly non-slip and extremely tear-resistant.

Silicone on other editions too

The Silk Edition and the Silk-A Edition also have a silicone-based coating. On these it mainly provides grip. It also makes the surface wipeable. More about the material itself can be found on Wikipedia: Silicone.

Conclusion

Polysiloxane is a robust silicone-based coating. It makes fabrics heat-resistant, water-repellent and weatherproof. On the FireMat Gold Edition it ensures that the mat lasts a long time indoors and outdoors.