What are the properties of silicone rubber?

General

The manifold properties of silicone rubber are impressive, so let’s take a quick look at them.

Temperature range

The temperature range straddles the freezing spectrum from -50°C to -100°C (-60° to -150° F). At high temperatures, silicone can withstand excessive heat of up to a staggering 250°C (480°F), making it suitable for many components for both industrial and domestic usage.

Tensile strength

The tensile strength of silicone rubber demonstrates an impressive range of 200 to 1,500 PSI, with elongation of up to 700 per cent maximum.



Industrial classifications

Within industry, silicone rubber is classified in varieties:

– LSR (liquid silicone rubber) is a heat curable liquid material. It is used in tailored injection moulding and extrusion machinery.
– HTV (high temperature vulcanizing) is also heat curable. In the unprocessed state, this matter is normally a semi-solid form of gum. To manufacture items in their finished state, it is necessary to use rubber-type preparation.
– RTV (room temperature vulcanizing) is normally in flowing liquid form. Its most common use is for making moulds and sealants. Materials in this variety are not generally used as everyday rubbers.

Silicone compounds

– Materials made of silicone rubber can be synthesised in various ways, meaning they are suitable for numerous applications.
– To augment the electrical conductivity of silicone, a carbon black additive is used.
– To boost the properties of fire resistance, additives for flame retardants can be used.
– Silicone fillers additionally enhance tensile strength to approximately 1,500 PSA and up to 200lb tear resistance.

For more information on silicone moulding, contact a specialist such as http://www.meadex.co.uk/silicone-mouldings.

Resistance

– The abrasion resistance and oil resistance of silicone are classified as fair to poor. Both tear resistance and solvent resistance come in the poor category
– Silicone cannot normally withstand oils and acids, dilute hydroxide, or the majority of concentrated solvents.

Academic research has been conducted into silicone rubber moulding.

Additional features of silicone

Some impressive additional properties of silicone include its resilience and rebound features, which score as ‘good’. Also scoring ‘good’ is silicone’s compression set, as is its ability to adhere to metals. Its durometer or hardness range is 30 to 90. Coming out on top with an ‘excellent’ rating is silicone’s ability to age well in weather and sunlight.

Written by suNCh8

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