The chemistry of the silicone is mainly mineral because it is based on quartz sand (silicon oxide).

Indeed unlike most polymers, silicone’s backbone contains no carbon but is composed instead of alternating silicon and oxygen atoms.

These are some of the advantages of silicone:

·    High resistance to extreme temperatures (till 455°F in continuous use and above 480°F in peak use)

·    Stable mechanical properties in a broad temperature range.

·    Excellent release properties (non-stick performance).

·    Oven, microwave, freezer and dishwasher safe.

·    Resistant to boiling water and aggressive detergents.

·    Intrinsic water repellent.

·    Nontoxic.

Unfilled silicone elastomers achieve only low mechanical strength when cured. Adequate strength is obtained by incorporating reinforcing mineral fillers. Small-particle-size silicas (same as silicone atomic structure) are used almost exclusively for this purpose. Because of the small particle size elastomers with high transparency can be produced. On the other hand a slight whitening of the silicone item might occur when squeezing or pinching it. Silicones can be synthesized with a wide variety of properties and compositions. They can vary in consistency from liquid to gel to rubber to hard plastic.

Silicone fluids are used in hydraulic fluids, as adhesives, lubricants or breast implants etc.

Silicone rubbers are used as electrical insulators, non-stick coatings, gaskets, membranes, implants or for cooking application etc.

Regarding mentioned silicone implants as case study, it has been proven that they do rupture with time & it has been documented that silicone can migrate after this rupture. Nonetheless, because of the studies that did not find conclusive evidence of systemic problems, both Health Canada and the FDA have recently approved the use of silicone implants. That is a good proof about the harmless of silicone regarding human health.

MASTRAD silicone products such as bakeware, warmer steamer or spatula… are manufactured by compressing FDA certified silicone rubber grade inside a designed tool cavity. Silicone rubbers are formed from fluid silicones by the formation of cross links between the linear polymers by use of cross-linking agents. The process is designated "curing" or "vulcanization".

To mould silicone products, the curing is done during few minutes above 230°F in presence of reaction catalysts.

To reach the required thermal & mechanical properties of the silicone end-product, it is mandatory to do a post-curing at approximately 390°F during 4 hours. This stage also allows purifying the end-product.

To better clean silicone item surface, post-cured end-products are immersed in hot water bath, rinsed, dried and finally treated by UV radiations.

This overall manufacturing process is the key for achieving MASTRAD products quality success.