Silicone rubber

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Overview commonly used silicone systems

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Si vulcanization

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Silicone 3d print with support material

Silicone rubber is a highly versatile material composed of silicone polymers and filler materials, known for its excellent thermal stability, low chemical reactivity, and substantial electrical insulation properties. It is widely used in various industries, including automotive, electronics, healthcare, and consumer goods, due to its durability and resistance to extreme temperatures and environments.

Composition and Properties

Silicone rubber is made from a mix of silicone-based polymer, silica, and other fillers. It can also include additives to enhance specific properties such as color, flame retardance, and electrical conductivity. The silicone polymer gives the material its flexible, rubber-like properties, while the fillers improve strength, resistance, and other mechanical aspects.

The key properties of silicone rubber include:

• High and low-temperature resistance, maintaining its elasticity and flexibility over a wide temperature range from -55°C to +300°C.
• Excellent electrical insulation properties, making it ideal for use in electrical and electronic applications.
• Resistance to ozone, ultraviolet (UV) light, and other weathering conditions, which makes it suitable for outdoor applications.
• Biocompatibility, allowing its use in medical devices and implants.

Types of Silicone Rubber

Silicone rubber can be categorized into several types based on its curing process and the specific applications it is designed for:

• High-Temperature Vulcanized (HTV) Silicone Rubber: This type is cured at high temperatures and is known for its high tensile strength and durability.
• Room Temperature Vulcanizing (RTV) Silicone Rubber: RTV silicone cures at room temperature, making it suitable for a wide range of applications, including sealants and adhesives.
• Liquid Silicone Rubber (LSR): LSR has a low viscosity and is processed through injection molding, making it ideal for producing a wide variety of intricate and precise components.

Applications

Silicone rubber's unique properties make it suitable for a wide range of applications:

• In the automotive industry, it is used for gaskets, seals, hoses, and spark plug boots due to its durability and heat resistance.
• In the electronics industry, silicone rubber is used for insulation, keypads, and flexible circuits.
• In the healthcare sector, it is utilized for medical implants, tubing, and devices due to its biocompatibility and sterilizability.
• In consumer products, silicone rubber is found in kitchenware, sportswear, and various other goods where flexibility and safety are required.

Manufacturing Processes

Silicone rubber can be processed and molded into various shapes and forms through different manufacturing processes, including:

• Compression Molding: A pre-cured silicone rubber slug is placed in a heated mold cavity and pressurized to form the desired shape.
• Injection Molding: Liquid silicone rubber is injected into a heated mold, curing quickly into complex shapes with precise dimensions.
• Extrusion: Silicone rubber is forced through a die of the desired cross-section, producing long lengths of product that can be cut to size.

Environmental and Health Considerations

Silicone rubber is considered to be an environmentally friendly material due to its long service life and inert nature. It does not react with most chemicals and does not release harmful substances over time. However, the manufacturing and disposal of silicone rubber should be managed responsibly to minimize environmental impact.