Silicone rubber is a highly versatile and widely used engineering material in the field of elastomers. It is a synthetic polymer that is created through the addition of silicon, oxygen, carbon, and hydrogen. Silicone rubber has a unique set of properties that make it highly desirable in various applications, such as its excellent heat resistance, chemical resistance, and electrical insulation properties. Additionally, silicone rubber is highly flexible and can maintain its elasticity over a wide temperature range, making it an ideal choice for sealing and gasket applications. Its non-toxic nature, low compression set, and biocompatibility also make it a popular choice in the medical and food industries. Due to its excellent properties and versatility, silicone rubber is widely used in a variety of industries, including automotive, aerospace, electronics, and healthcare, among others.
there are several types of silicone rubber, which differ in how they cure or set into their final solid form. Here are some of the common types:
- Room temperature vulcanizing (RTV) silicone rubber: This type of silicone rubber cures at room temperature through a condensation reaction. RTV silicone rubber typically comes in two parts, a base and a curing agent, which are mixed together before application.
- High-temperature vulcanizing (HTV) silicone rubber: HTV silicone rubber cures at high temperatures, typically above 150°C, through a process called cross-linking. It is often used for high-temperature applications and can withstand temperatures up to 300°C.
- Liquid silicone rubber (LSR): LSR is a two-part, platinum-cured silicone rubber that cures at room temperature or with heat. It has low viscosity and can flow into complex molds, making it ideal for injection molding and other precision applications. Platinum cured silicone rubber is a type of liquid silicone rubber (LSR) that cures through a platinum-catalyzed addition reaction. It is a two-part system, consisting of a base and a curing agent that are mixed together in specific proportions before being cured at room temperature or with heat. Platinum cured silicone rubber has several advantages over other types of silicone rubber, including low toxicity, high purity, and excellent chemical resistance. It is often used in medical, aerospace, and other high-performance applications
- Room temperature moisture-cured silicone rubber: This type of silicone rubber cures at room temperature through a reaction with moisture in the air. It is often used for sealing and bonding applications, as well as for coatings.
- Heat-cured silicone rubber: Heat-cured silicone rubber is cured at high temperatures, typically above 200°C, through a chemical reaction. It is often used for high-strength and high-temperature applications.