A white paper on the practical applications of hydrogen-containing silicone oil industry was released. New energy and high-end manufacturing are driving demand for domestic specialty materials.
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(October 14, 2026) The Domestic Silicone Industry Association, in collaboration with 17 key manufacturing enterprises and 23 downstream application companies, officially released the “2026 White Paper on Practical Applications of Hydrogen-containing Silicone Oil”. Based on data from nearly 150 enterprises across 31 provinces and cities over a period of more than five years, this report systematically analyzes the selection criteria and application challenges related to hydrogen-containing silicone oil in fields such as photovoltaic encapsulation, new energy, textile waterproofing, and electronic encapsulation. It provides valuable references for product development, quality control, and supply chain selection for both upstream and downstream companies.
Hydrogen-containing silicone oil is a crucial cross-linking agent in the silicone industry chain. The silicon-hydrogen bonds in its molecular structure allow for addition reactions, enabling the formation of dense, hydrophobic siliceous films. Due to its adjustable reactivity, good weather resistance, and stable insulation properties, it serves as a key intermediate in silicone rubber, silicone resin, and modified silicone additives. It is widely used in traditional applications such as textile water repellency, building material waterproofing, and paint anti-sticking properties. In recent years, emerging areas such as AI computing liquid cooling, photovoltaic module encapsulation, and electronic components for new energy vehicles are reshaping the market structure of hydrogen-containing silicone oil. The demand for high-purity, low-ionic-type products is growing significantly compared to conventional products.
The white paper indicates that in 2026, the domestic hydrogen-containing silicone oil industry will show a clear division of roles. The competition among general-purpose products will continue to intensify, leading to the elimination of small manufacturing enterprises that lack stable production capabilities. High-end, customized hydrogen-containing silicone oils, especially those with low ions and narrow molecular weight distributions, are in short supply. Many downstream companies report issues such as false claims regarding hydrogen content and the use of recycled materials. This results in poor batch consistency, posing quality risks for photovoltaic and semiconductor applications. Downstream customers are demanding higher standards from suppliers regarding continuous production capabilities and comprehensive testing methods.
In terms of technology, many domestic companies and research institutions are working on continuous synthesis processes, efficient catalysis, and methods for removing low-molecular-weight substances. New technologies such as solid acid catalysis and microchannel reactions have been applied, effectively reducing side reactions. The molecular weight distribution of products has become narrower, and their storage stability has improved. Some domestically produced high-purity hydrogen-containing silicone oils now meet the standards of foreign products, reducing the dependence of domestic new energy and electronics industries on imported materials. Green production has become a common goal in the industry. These new processes improve product yields while reducing waste acid and energy consumption, aligning with the goal of low-carbon transformation in the chemical industry.
From the perspective of downstream demand, photovoltaic encapsulation adhesives and energy storage thermal management materials are the main drivers of growth. As a cross-linking component, hydrogen-containing silicone oil ensures long-term durability of photovoltaic films. In AI data centers and energy storage modules, modified hydrogen-containing silicone oil products, due to their excellent dielectric properties, are gradually replacing some fluorinated fluids. In the textile industry, hydrogen-containing silicone oil-based additives that resist chlorination and provide water-repellent properties help resolve the conflict between fabric softness and wash resistance, expanding the possibilities for new textile materials.
Experts from the association say that the future development of the hydrogen-containing silicone oil industry will focus on three main areas: first, customized molecular structure development for semiconductors and new energy applications; second, green and intelligent upgrading of production processes to improve batch consistency; third, establishing a standardized testing system for key indicators such as hydrogen content, volatile components, and ionic impurities. In the short term, raw material fluctuations and the scaling up of high-end products remain challenges for the industry. Collaborative research and development among all stakeholders in the supply chain will continue to enhance the value of domestic specialty silicone materials.