To create silicone elastomers with high mechanical characteristics, reactive, straight-chained molecules are combined with a cross-linking agent and reinforcing (elasticity, absorption, tear strength).
What is a Silicone Elastomer?
Silicone elastomers (Q), also known as silicone rubbers, exhibit negligible property loss across the temperature range of 51 to +316C (70 to +600F). When heated with an organic peroxide, such as benzoyl peroxide or 2,4-dichlorobenzoyl peroxide, the unvulcanized polymer (dimethylsilicone gum) is often crosslinked to a usable elastomer.
Silicone Elastomer History
Due to their mineral makeup, silicone rubbers, a recent subset of elastomers, may be separated from organic polymers like rubber, latex, and polyurethane, among others. Silicon is the fundamental chemical component of silicone (Si). The Latin word for rock, silex, is whence its name originates. Mostly silicon dioxide SiO2 (often referred to as quartz or silica) and silicates are forms of silicon that naturally occur in combination. They make silicon the second most prevalent chemical element (after oxygen) and the most significant chemical base for natural compounds. Together, they account for 25.8% of the weight of the whole crust of the planet.
- Jöns Jackob Berzelius, a Swedish scientist, was the first to successfully separate silicon on his own in 1823 by processing potassium silicofluoride (K2SiF6) with too much metallic potassium.
- J.F. Hyde conducted the initial study to create silicones for commercial use in 1930.
- James Wright, a GE engineer, was seeking for an alternative to rubber in 1949. Silly Putty was created when he combined silicone oil and boric acid, and it was later marketed.
- Neil Armstrong left the first lunar footprint in 1969 while wearing boots with silicone soles.
- The first silicone hydrogel contact lenses were created in 1990, and today, in the twenty-first century, silicones are utilized in a wide range of products, including shampoo, culinary molds, smart phone screen coverings, microprocessors, and solar panels.
Silicone elastomer properties
High-performance applications, particularly in hostile situations where conventional polymeric materials may fail, require silicone elastomers. Silicone elastomer rubber components provide long-lasting durability and dependability even when subjected to a wide temperature range (from -50°C to 250°C) or harsh outdoor conditions (humidity, UV, Ozone).
They are particularly well suited to insulate and safeguard electronic equipment, including high voltage lines, because to their dielectric characteristics and heat resistance. These goods will continue to have their elastomeric characteristics, such as excellent resistance to ripping and/or extremely high elongation before breaking point (essential in molds, modeling and reproduction, kitchenware, etc.).
Additionally safe for human use and resistant to the high temperatures needed for sterilizing, silicone elastomers are perfect for medical applications (skin contact, medical devices, long term implants, etc.).
Silicone Elastomer Chemical Properties
As a direct result of natural rubber's inability to withstand chemicals, synthetic elastomers were initially developed to accomplish so. Silicone goods have been employed in applications that include chemicals like acetic acids, ammonia gas, sodium sulfate, and more ever since they first entered the market. As a result, it is always recommended to double-check with a customer service professional what sort of silicone rubber is ideal for your application. It is crucial to remember that the various silicone grades have subtle differences on the precise types of chemicals they can withstand. Products made of silicone are suitable for use in industrial settings where chemicals are handled or stored because of their high level of chemical resistance.
Advantages Of Silicone Elastomers
Key benefits of silicone elastomers include:
- Quality:High-performance applications requiring extreme purity are ideal for silicone elastomers. The variety of possible specialized uses for silicone elastomers may be further expanded by making them food grade compliant.
- Versatility:You may easily and cheaply tailor silicone elastomers to meet changing procedural and performance requirements.
- Performance:The ability to withstand both hot and cold temperatures is one of the unique characteristics of silicone elastomers, allowing them to retain a low compression set in conditions of severe heat while staying flexible in conditions as low as -40 °C.
Disadvantages Of Silicone Elastomers
Some of the key drawbacks to using silicone elastomers can include:
- Cost:When compared to rubber and other materials, silicone elastomers attract a higher price since they are a luxury product. Examining your budget and your production requirements carefully may be necessary to determine whether this applies to your application.
- Feel:Silicone elastomers might feel a little bit sticky to the touch in their unprocessed state. They seem rougher as a result, and this can make it easier for dust and other debris to stick to them.
- Compatibility:Despite silicone elastomers' superior adaptability, some situations and applications will cause them to perform poorly or react negatively. Before deciding if silicone elastomers are the best choice for you, it will be necessary to carefully assess the chemical environment existing in your operations.
What is silicone elastomer used for?
A variety of heat-stable, elastic silicone materials known as silicone rubbers or elastomers are used for electrical insulation as wire and cable covers, extruded sleevings and mouldings, unsupported, but mostly as coated glass-fibre cloths, tapes, and braided glass sleevings.
What is silicone elastomer made of?
In the form of a polymer, silicone rubber (SIR) is an elastomer made of silicon that also contains silicon, carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen. Untreated silicone will solidify after curing if it is in gel or liquid state. Either vulcanization or catalysis are options for the curing process.
What does silicone elastomers mean?
A variety of heat-stable, elastic silicone materials known as silicone rubbers or elastomers are used for electrical insulation as wire and cable covers, coated glass-fibre cloths, tapes, and braided glass sleevings, among other unsupported applications. Such fabric tapes that include a silicone elastomer in them
Silicon Elastomers or Silicone Elastomers?
Silicon elastomer is a common misspelling for silicone elastomer
Conclusion
A wide range of liquid silicone rubber (LSR) and high consistency rubber (HCR) products are available from LGDSilicone. Through international custom elastomer facilities, ready-to-use compounds may also be manufactured and delivered, addressing the unique requirements of the customers' fabrication equipment and processes in addition to satisfying unique packaging demands that help minimize handling inside their facilities.
The best way to cater to and satisfy the demands of certain clients is to pre-form material into dozens of conventional dimensions and forms, including pellet, coil strip, sheet, and many more, upon request.