Silicone membrane can be used in a variety of ways, including as keyboard covers and in personal electronics accessories and electronic components. It also can be used in research, nanotechnology and roofing. A silicone membrane can be formed into virtually any shape and can be made to be extremely thin, according to the needs of the application in which it is used. Silicone is considered to be an abundant resource and, as a result, many parts made from it can be cheaper than similar parts made from different materials.
Keyboard covers made from silicone membrane are common for a number of reasons. The material can be made thin and flexible while remaining strong. This means a keyboard cover generally will not interfere with regular keyboard use and will often last a long time without breaking down. One additional benefit to making keyboard covers out of silicone membrane is that they can be customized by color and shape.
Personal electronics accessories also benefit from the many possible types of silicone membrane. For instance, such membranes are often used to protect complex handheld devices such as smartphones and laptops. There are many sizes, shapes and features to include in such protective covers, and silicone products are often made to fit most modern electronics. Additionally, silicone membranes might even be used as part of the standard components outside or inside many devices.
Many electronics integrate silicone membranes into their standard operation. For instance, silicone products might include small insulators or protective covers inside a high-voltage device. A silicon polymer also could be used to create internal components in microphone transmitters and computers. Membranes can be made to the small scale needed in many complex electronics.
Researchers often use a silicone membrane as part of routine experimentation. Silicone products can be made to hold samples, protect key equipment and separate materials. The physical characteristics of many silicone products mean silicone membranes are often used for experiments in nanotechnology. They also can be used for research into nanotechnology and the production of related devices. A silicone membrane might be used in nanotechnology devices to manage fluids, form components and provide overall protection.
A silicone membrane can be used as a component in roofing material. One example is coating hard materials such as fiberglass with silicone to add an often impermeable layer of material. Many roofing materials might include silicone membranes in specific areas such as gutters, which are often subject to extreme conditions or heavy use.