Why Choose Polysiloxane Coating & Siloxane Hybrid Car Ceramic Coating: The Future of Car Protection

Comparison Table for Silicon Coating, SiO2 Ceramic Coating, Silicone for Cars, Siloxane, and Polysiloxane Coating

Term

Description

Function in Car Ceramic Coating

Level

Combination/Use

Silicon (Si)

A chemical element and basic building block, found abundantly in the earth’s crust.

Provides structural durability in its silica and silicate forms but not used directly.

Basic

Combined with oxygen to create silica (SiO₂) for car coatings.

Silica (SiO₂)

Combination of silicon and oxygen; known as quartz in mineral form.

Forms the hard, clear layer in ceramic coatings, providing gloss and hardness.

Intermediate

Used directly in ceramic coatings for hardness, gloss, and surface protection.

Silicone

Synthetic polymer with silicon-oxygen backbone, with organic side groups.

Often used in automotive sealants but can create a tacky or soft surface in coatings.

Basic

Rarely combined with silica or siloxane in car coatings; mainly used in non-coating applications.

Siloxane (Si–O–Si)

A functional group with silicon-oxygen-silicon linkage; building block of silicones.

Contributes to UV, chemical, and heat resistance in hybrid car coatings.

Advanced

Combined with silica for polysiloxane hybrid coatings, enhancing durability and hydrophobicity.

Polysiloxane

Polymer structure containing repeating silicon-oxygen units; allows hybrid organic-inorganic bonding.

Key component in high-performance hybrid coatings, adding flexibility and strength.

Advanced

Core of siloxane hybrid coatings, combining with organic elements for finish.

Silicon (Si) | Silicon Coating

Silicon, one of the 94 natural building blocks forming our minerals, is a chemical element. You cannot subdivide a chemical element into simple substances without splitting atoms. Silicon is the second most abundant element in the earth’s crust, making up about 27% of the average rock. Silicon links up with oxygen (which makes up 55% of the earth’s crust) to form the most common suite of minerals, called the silicates. Quartz, feldspars, olivine, micas, thomsonite, jadeite, and prehnite are all silicates. Oxygen surrounds pure native silicon to the extent that it is almost never found naturally.

Silica (SiO2) | SiO2 Ceramic Coating

Silica (SiO2) Silica is a bit trickier concept. It refers to the combination of silicon plus oxygen. The mineral quartz is silica. But so are the minerals tridymite, coesite, cristobalite and stishovite which are mineral forms of silica that are stable at high temperatures and pressures. All these minerals are also silicates. In other words, quartz is a silicate made of pure silica. But feldspars contain sodium, aluminum, potassium and calcium in addition to silicon and oxygen. Thus feldspars are silicates but they aren’t pure silica. Geochemists also use the term “silica” to refer to the overall silicon and oxygen content of rocks.

This is confusing, but stems from the fact that in rock analysis a sample is dissolved, the solution treated, and the amount of silicon present is determined by precipitating it as silica. So a geologist may say “This rock is 48% silica”. A rockhound will look at the rock and say “How can that be? I don’t see any quartz in it!”

Both are right. The rock will not have the mineral quartz because the silicon and oxygen are tied up with other elements to make silicate minerals like feldspar. Its a bit like looking at a cake and saying “I don’t see any eggs in there!” The eggs are cake ingredients but are present now in different forms.

Silicone ( [R2SiO]n) | Silicone for Cars

Silicone is a synthetic polymer of silicon, carbon, and oxygen, existing in solid, liquid, or gel form. Also known as polymerized siloxanes or polysiloxanes, silicones consist of an inorganic silicon-oxygen backbone chain with tetravalent silicon atoms and organic side groups. Their general formula is [R2SiO]n, where R is an organic group. Despite various medical uses, pure silicon is rarely found in nature, with a recent discovery in volcanic gases on the Kamchatka Peninsula. Generally, what is found in nature is silica and silicates, not silicon or silicone.

Siloxane (Si–O–Si) | Siloxane in Car Ceramic Coating

A siloxane is a functional group inorgano silicon chemistry with the Si–O–Si linkage. The parent siloxanes include the oligomeric and polymeric hydrides with the formulae H(OSiH2)nOH and (OSiH2)n. Siloxanes also include branched compounds, the defining feature of which is that each pair of silicon centers is separated by one oxygen atom. The siloxane functional group forms the backbone of silicones, the premier example of which is polydimethylsiloxane. The Functional group (RO)3Si is called siloxy.

Inorganic silicon based polymers are naturally resistant to temperature, ultraviolet light and oxidation and are commonly used as binders in the formulation of heat resistant silicones and zinc silicate primers. Due to film formation and inability to obtain a balanced set of performance properties, the progress to utilise the full capability of this chemistry to improve both inorganic and organic coatings had been very slow. But thanks to recent advances in siloxane chemistry an ambient temperature curable polysiloxane coating system with significant advantages compared to traditional inorganic and organic coatings was able to be developed.

Polysiloxane Coating

Polysiloxane are the newest generic class of high performance protective coating and include coating types based on inorganic siloxane and organic-inorganic siloxane hybrids.

Some of the key benefits of polysiloxane coatings based on pure inorganic siloxane binder are:

curable at ambient temperature
have high solids and low VOC
excellent temperature resistance
good resistance to certain acids and solvents
well suited for high-heat and selected chemical lining applications.

Whereas polysiloxanes based on organic-inorganic siloxane hybrid binders are:

high solids and low VOC
provide an improved level of performance
have superior weatherability
offer a cost effective, isocyanate-free alternative to aliphatic polyurethane topcoats.
outstanding resistance to corrosion and better weatherability

It is with this initial concept and chemistry that we are able to develop our high solid series ecocoat quartz.

Car Ceramic Coating Ingredients Terminology

In coating compositions, the typical resins containing the silicon-oxygen bond as a repeating unit in the backbone are silicates, silicones, oxysilanes and siloxanes.

Silicates are binders based on alkali metal salts of silicon-oxygen anions. Silicones are siloxane polymers with predominately two organic substituents on the silicon atom.

Oxysilane generally refers to silicon-based structures in which silicon is bonded with up to four alkoxide or hydroxyl groups, which enable certain condensation reactions. Oxysilanes can be monomeric or polymeric.

Silanes are monomeric silicon compounds with four substituents, or groups, attached to the silicon atom. These groups can be the same or different and nonreactive or reactive, with the reactivity being inorganic or organic. Inorganic reactive silanes have alkoxysilane groups and undergo hydrolytic polycondensation reactions. Organic reactive silanes contain amine, vinyl, epoxy, isocyanate or other functional groups that enable reactions with organic functionalities.

In this context, we use the term polysiloxane in its broadest sense, encompassing any polymeric structure containing repeating silicon-oxygen groups in the backbone, side chains, or cross links, regardless of the substitution on the silicon atom.

The presence of certain organic groups attached to the silicon atom in silicone and polysiloxane binders moderates physical, mechanical and chemical properties, typically in an advantageous way.

Organic – Inorganic Siloxane Hybrid Technology

Siloxanes are one of the most rapidly expanding areas of materials research and coating development. Siloxane chemistry is so versatile that it allows the formation of siloxane hybrids with a large range of organic polymers. In addition to acrylic and epoxy siloxane, hybrids with vinyl, fluoropolymer, elastomeric epoxy, phenol and urethane binder systems have been developed for use in tank linings, flooring systems, anti-graffiti coatings, adhesives, sealants, composites and product finishes.

Revolutionary Car Protection: The Rise of Advanced Polysiloxane Coating in US

Polysiloxane coatings are the newest generic coating type. Recent advances in molecular engineering chemistry and formulation technology have resulted in siloxane binders and coating systems which offer significant improvements in ultraviolet light, heat, chemical and oxidation resistance and longer term protection from corrosion and degradation.

Organic-inorganic siloxane hybrids represent the most significant advance in ambient cure protective coatings in many years. This chemistry allows the retention of desirable properties in existing systems while enhancing those areas needing improvement.

Formulators have created organic-inorganic siloxane hybrids with performance properties, durability, and extended service life not previously attainable with conventional inorganic or organic coatings.The results of this aspect is the creation of IGL Ecoshine NanoWax.

It is a polysiloxane carnauba wax with the strength of the polysiloxane as a binder. Siloxane hybrid coatings have high-solids, low VOC and cure at ambient temperatures without the use of isocyanates. (Isocyanates include compounds classified as potential human carcinogens and known to cause cancer in animals.

The main effects of hazardous exposures are occupational asthma and other lung problems). The superior weatherability and excellent corrosion resistance of siloxane hybrid coatings make them ideal as toxicologically more acceptable, cost effective alternatives to traditional aliphatic coatings.

Inorganic siloxane and organic-inorganic siloxane hybrid coatings have indeed advanced to provide new options and real value for end-users in protecting their investment.

Ecoshine Nanowax: Your Ultimate Car Detailing Solution

Achieve showroom-quality shine and protection with IGL Ecoshine Nanowax, formulated using advanced nano-scaled silane and siloxane technology combined with sustainable carnauba wax. This unique blend offers:

High Gloss and Reflectivity: Carnauba and paraffin waxes create a striking gloss with an ultra-reflective finish.
Scratch-Filling Power: Masks micro-scratches to refresh and rejuvenate paint.
Long-Lasting Hydrophobicity: The polysiloxane component creates a water- and dirt-repellent barrier, keeping your vehicle cleaner for longer.
Eco-Friendly and Safe Formula: Low-VOC and free of harmful solvents, safe for all exterior surfaces including paint, vinyl, and PPF.
Easy Application, Lasting Protection: The wax bonds securely to surfaces, delivering up to three months of resilient protection from UV, oil, dirt, and environmental damage.

Discover the power of Ecoshine Nanowax and protect your investment today! Learn more at IGL Coatings Ecoshine Nanowax.

FAQs

What’s the Difference Between a SiO2 Ceramic Coating and a Silicon Coating for Cars?
SiO2 ceramic coatings, made from silicon dioxide, form a hard, glass-like layer that protects car paint by making it scratch-resistant, UV-protective, and hydrophobic. In contrast, a silicon coating typically refers to a more flexible, waterproof sealant that lacks the hardness and long-term durability of SiO2 ceramic coatings. While silicon coatings are useful for short-term protection, SiO2 ceramic coatings provide stronger, longer-lasting protection for car surfaces.
How Does a Siloxane or Polysiloxane Coating Differ from a Traditional Ceramic Coating?
Unlike traditional SiO2 ceramic coatings, which primarily use silicon dioxide for hardness, siloxane and polysiloxane coatings offer a hybrid structure combining both organic and inorganic elements. This combination enhances flexibility, durability, and weather resistance, making polysiloxane coatings an advanced option for long-lasting car protection.
Is Silicone Safe for Cars, and Can It Be Used in Car Coatings?
Silicone for cars is commonly used in automotive sealants due to its waterproofing and flexibility. However, silicone coatings are generally not used as car ceramic coatings because they tend to attract dust and do not provide the hard, glossy finish that SiO2 or polysiloxane coatings offer. Siloxane-based coatings are preferred for a smooth, protective surface.
What Are the Benefits of Using a Polysiloxane Coating Over a Silicon Coating?
While silicon coatings provide basic surface protection, polysiloxane coatings are more advanced, offering improved UV resistance, chemical durability, and extended longevity. Polysiloxane coatings integrate the flexibility of organic compounds with the resilience of inorganic materials, making them ideal for automotive surfaces exposed to various environmental elements.
How Does a Polysiloxane Coating Enhance the Lifespan of a Car’s Paint?
Polysiloxane coatings bond strongly to car surfaces, creating a protective layer that resists oxidation, UV rays, and harsh chemicals. This advanced hybrid coating minimizes the wear and fading of paint over time, offering a durable alternative to standard SiO2 ceramic coatings while reducing the need for frequent reapplication.

About IGL Coatings

IGL Coatings has rapidly ascended to become a leading name in the automotive detailing industry in the US since our establishment in 2015. Originating from Malaysia, we have achieved international acclaim for our innovative surface protection solutions, which emphasize sustainability and advanced technology. IGL Coatings is renowned for our commitment to research and development, creating high-performance coatings that offer exceptional durability and enhanced aesthetics.

Our global reach extends to over 50 countries, where we support a network of more than 5,000 micro-entrepreneurs. This global presence is bolstered by strategic partnerships and a robust distribution network, which has facilitated our recognition as the highest growth manufacturer in Malaysia and one of the top 500 high-growth companies in the Asia Pacific.

IGL Coatings: Industry Recognition

Our dedication to quality and innovation has also been recognized through various awards, including the prestigious SEMA Media Award for 2023 and 2024 and the International Detailing Association’s Detail Supplier of the Year award.

These accolades reflect our commitment to excellence and our role as a leader in the industry. Our continuous innovation and adherence to high standards have made us a trusted name among professionals and enthusiasts worldwide.

Follow us on social media: