Silicones consist of a backbone of alternating atoms of silicon and oxygen known as a siloxane linkage (Si-O-Si), to which are attached various organic groups. Silicones are highly resistant to high and low temperatures, resist degradation by UV rays, repel water, and exhibit a range of other characteristics. Further, they are produced in many forms including silicone fluids, resins, liquid rubbers and solid rubbers. Silicones play a vital role in practically all fields including the electronics industry, the transportation industry, chemicals, textiles, foods, cosmetics, and the construction industry.

Abundance (by weight) of elements found in earth's crust (Top 5) Order Element Clarke number* 1 Oxygen 49.5 2 Silicon 25.8 3 Aluminum 7.56 4 Iron 4.70 5 Calcium 3.39 *Clarke number: indicates the abundance of elements near the earth's surface, expressed as a percentage by weight.