Silicone gaskets are useful in healthcare instruments, medical diagnostic machines, and food production plants. It is an electrically conductive material: in electronic communication equipment, silicone gasket can provide EMI shielding due to its conductive property.
NEVER use silicone on both sides of the gasket, the gasket will slip and slide all over the place instead of staying put and clamping down. Another substitute for the high tack is Copper Coat (in the copper spray can). This works really well for head gaskets since it's a light film.