Liquid Silicone Rubber Heat Insulation Pad Molding Machine
High-Temperature Resistant Coaster Production Equipment
What Is Silicone Rubber?
Silicone rubber is a high-performance synthetic elastomer composed
of silicone and other molecules (e.g., carbon, hydrogen, and
oxygen). It is characterized by high viscosity and elasticity, as
well as better abrasion resistance, chemical stability, insulating
properties, heat and cold temperature resistance, and
weatherability than organic rubber.
The exact properties of a given piece of silicone rubber depend on
the material’s chemical composition and structure. However, some of
the generally applicable characteristics are as follows:
· Operating temperature range: -100° C to 350° C (depending on the
length of exposure) and in some cases can be formulated for higher
temperature ranges.
· Weatherability: resistant to wind, rain, UV radiation, and ozone
· Moisture resistance: for extended periods with 1% water absorption
(for cold, warm, and boiling water)
· Steam resistance: indefinitely (for unpressurized steam)
· Chemical resistance: oils, solvents, polar organic compounds, and
diluted acidic or alkaline substances
· Electrical insulation: 1TΩ·m–100TΩ·m over a wide temperature range
and frequency spectrum
· Thermal conductivity: 0.2 W/mΩ·K
· Compression set: consistent from -60° C to 250° C
· Tear strength: 9.8 kN/m
Types of Silicone Rubber
As indicated above, different silicone rubber formulations result
in different material behaviors. These variations can be
categorized in several ways, including by molecular structure and
form.
The latter categorization method classifies silicone rubber by
viscosity and processing method. The main types are:
· Solid Silicone Rubber: Solid silicone rubber—also sometimes called
high-temperature vulcanized (HTV) rubber—has long chains of
polymers with high molecular weight. It can be processed by
conventional rubber processing methods.
· Liquid Silicone Rubber (LSR): LSR has shorter chains of polymers
with lower molecular weight. It must be processed by specialized
injection molding and extrusion methods.
· Room Temperature Vulcanized (RTV) Rubber: RTV rubber is a one- or
two-component system that falls between very soft to medium on the
material hardness scale. It is typically used for sealing,
encapsulation, or potting applications.
Applications of Silicone Rubber
Due to its numerous advantageous properties, silicone rubber finds
application in a wide range of industries, including, but not
limited to, the following:
· Aerospace (e.g., space suit elements)
· Automotive (e.g., gaskets and seals)
· Construction (e.g., coatings and sealants)
· Electrical and electronics (e.g., adhesives and encapsulants)
· Food processing (e.g., food molds)
· Medical (e.g., medical instruments components such as seals, tubes,
and valves)
· Recreation (e.g., goggles and mouthpieces)
Liquid Silicone Rubber vs. Solid Silicone Rubber
As mentioned above, silicone rubber is available in several
variations, including in liquid and solid forms. Below we outline
the main differences between the two materials:
· Liquid silicone rubber exhibits high fluidity. The parts and
products manufactured from it are generally transparent, odorless,
and safe for use in applications involving direct contact with food
or the skin. However, they typically require the use of expensive
specialized processing equipment.
· Solid silicone rubber exhibits low fluidity. It is cheaper to
purchase and process than liquid silicone rubber as it can be used
alongside conventional equipment.
Silicone rubber has proven itself to be an essential material
across various industries due to its remarkable durability,
flexibility, and resistance to extreme environmental conditions.
Its versatility allows it to be used in everything from automotive
components to medical devices and high-tech communication systems.
