--- In , "DED" <dedly@...> wrote:
> At the risk of sounding like a dick....
> Silicon is what computer chips are made from.
> Silicone is what they use to make caulk and breast implants.
> Sorry, as a former chemical engineer, it's a pet peeve of mine. =)
While your point is probably correct, this quote from WIKIPEDIA [yeah, I know ... but it is a convenient source] suggests that intelligent space virus chips [*snicker*] might be both silicon (for its electrical properties) and silicone (for durability in harsh environments).
"Electronics
Electronic components are sometimes encased in silicone to increase stability against mechanical and electrical shock, radiation and vibration, a process called "potting".
Silicones are used where durability and high performance are demanded of components under hard conditions, such as in space (satellite technology). They are selected over polyurethane or epoxy encapsulation when a wide operating temperature range is required (−65 to 315 °C). Silicones also have the advantage of little exothermic heat rise during cure, low toxicity, good electrical properties and high purity.
The use of silicones in electronics is not without problems, however. Silicones are relatively expensive and can be attacked by solvents.[9] Silicone easily migrates as either a liquid or vapor onto other components."