With the rapid development of the power industry, the performance requirements for power facilities have become increasingly stringent, particularly in terms of high-temperature resistance, weather resistance, insulation performance, and mechanical strength. Silicone materials, due to their unique chemical structure and excellent physical and chemical properties, have been widely applied in power facilities. The backbone of silicone materials consists of silicon-oxygen bonds (Si-O-Si), with organic groups attached to the side chains, giving them both the stability of inorganic materials and the flexibility of organic materials. These characteristics enable silicone materials to exhibit outstanding heat resistance, weather resistance, electrical insulation, and anti-aging capabilities in power equipment, making them indispensable functional materials in the power industry.

In the field of power transmission, silicone materials are widely used in key components such as high-voltage insulators, composite insulators, and cable accessories. Traditional ceramic or glass insulators, while offering good insulation performance, are heavy, fragile, and prone to flashover accidents in polluted or humid environments. In contrast, composite insulators made of silicone rubber are lightweight, mechanically robust, and possess excellent hydrophobicity and self-cleaning properties. The siloxane segments on the surface of silicone rubber can migrate to form a low-surface-energy layer, preventing the formation of continuous water films and effectively reducing pollution-induced flashovers. Additionally, the UV and ozone resistance of silicone materials ensures long-term outdoor use while maintaining excellent insulation performance, significantly extending the service life of equipment.

Silicone materials also play a crucial role in power cable accessories. Cable terminations and joints are weak points in power systems, and their insulation performance directly affects grid stability. Silicone rubber, owing to its excellent elasticity, high-temperature resistance, and electrical properties, is widely used for insulation and sealing in cable accessories. For example, cold-shrink cable terminations use expanded silicone rubber as the insulating medium, relying on its elastic memory properties to tightly wrap around the cable during installation, avoiding gaps and partial discharges caused by thermal expansion and contraction. Moreover, the high-temperature resistance of silicone rubber makes it suitable for cable protection in high-temperature environments, such as in nuclear power, metallurgy, and other specialized industries.

In power electronics, silicone materials are primarily used for thermal conduction, potting, and bonding. As power electronic devices trend toward higher power densities, heat dissipation has become a critical issue. Silicone-based thermal interface materials, such as thermal grease, thermal pads, and potting compounds, effectively reduce the operating temperature of power devices, enhancing system reliability. Silicone potting compounds exhibit excellent flowability, filling tiny gaps between electronic components and curing into flexible elastomers that protect components from mechanical vibration and moisture while providing superior electrical insulation. Furthermore, silicone adhesives are widely used in the assembly of power electronic modules, where their high-temperature resistance and aging resistance ensure stable mechanical strength and electrical performance over long-term operation.

In the field of renewable energy generation, the application of silicone materials is equally significant. Solar photovoltaic modules are exposed to harsh outdoor conditions, including UV radiation, high temperatures, and freeze-thaw cycles. Silicone encapsulants and backsheet materials effectively protect solar cells, improving the weather resistance and lifespan of the modules. Key components of wind power equipment, such as generators and transformers, also frequently employ silicone materials for insulation and protection to withstand extreme environments like high salinity and humidity in offshore locations.

Despite the many advantages of silicone materials in power facilities, their high cost and long-term performance under extreme conditions require further research. In the future, with advancements in materials science, high-performance, cost-effective silicone composites are expected to see broader applications in the power industry, providing more reliable solutions for smart grids, ultra-high-voltage transmission, and renewable energy generation.