title: Silicon, silicone, and silica: the importance of the right ending.
abstract: Although organic polymers based on carbon have revolutionized the use of commodity materials during the latter half of the twentieth century, polymers based on silicon have also had a remarkable impact in certain speciality areas, especially in medical technology. This article clarifies some of the chemical uncertainties associated with these materials.
authors.affiliation: Clinical Engineering Department, Royal Liverpool University Hospital, UK.
authors.forename: D
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Williams
mesh_terms: D004864:Equipment and Supplies; D006801:Humans; D011108:Polymers / Q000737:chemistry*; D012825:Silicon / Q000737:chemistry*; D012822:Silicon Dioxide / Q000737:chemistry*; D012828:Silicones / Q000737:chemistry*