How is silicone both a lubricant and a non-slip/sticky thing?

Question

Edit: please explain like I am actually five.

In: 2979

Answer 1

Being somewhat “sticky” is an important property of most lubricants. If lubricants aren’t sticky, they just flow off the thing you’re trying to lubricate.

Also, as others are pointing out, “silicone” is a *class* of chemical (not to be confused with “silica” AKA “silicon dioxide”, which is one of the primary components of sand). Like “plastic”, there are many many different kinds of “silicone”. Some silicones form grippy coatings, while other silicones are good for slippery lubricants.