benefits of silicone rubber

Why would you design or produce a part made of silicone rubber when so many other elastomers are available? A primary reason is reliability...the ability to perform not only under normal demanding conditions, but also in the severe extremes of industry, environment, temperature and voltage. Silicone rubber components have a useful life that is far superior under conditions that would cause the deterioration of many parts made of typical organic materials.

Silicone rubber has tremendous resistance to temperature extremes. Under certain conditions, temperatures as high as 600°F (316°C) or as low as -150°F (-101°C) do not destroy its physical and electrical properties. silicone rubber retains a far higher tensile strength, ultimate elongation, and tear resistance, and less compression set at elevated and reduced temperatures than do many organic rubbers. Elasticity is retained at temperatures as low as -150°F...where parts made from other elastomers would simply shatter apart when dropped.

Silicone rubber, a good non-conductive insulating material, can be compounded with proper additives to produce a wide range of electrical insulating properties. Electrical failure occurs when the environment destroys the physical properties of the elastomer. However, silicone rubber with its excellent resistance to severe environmental conditions, provides constant electrical insulation properties much longer than other elastomeric materials. The dielectric breakdown for silicone rubber is between 400 and 700 volts/mil depending on the compound.

Silicone rubber is superior to other elastomers in its resistance to compression set (deformation). It shows a marked superiority at both high and low temperatures. This is particularly important when a silicone rubber part is used as either a diaphragm, impact absorber, bellows or in other applications where the component is placed under pressure or is flexed.

Silicone rubber is odorless and tasteless. It is very stable and does not contain sulfur or other acid producing chemicals that generate outgasing. It also does not cause staining, corrosion or deterioration of other materials. Silicone rubber will not support the growth of fungus, mold or bacteria.

Silicone rubber has an excellent resistance to many chemicals, fluids and oils commonly encountered in service. Its resistance to chemicals is particularly useful at temperatures which prevent the use of other materials. silicone rubber also has excellent resistance to chemicals normally found in th soil. Fluorosilicone with its unique properties, provides resistance to many fuels, oils and solvents, including gasoline. Examples of some chemicals that silicone rubber is resistant to are:

ASTM 1RM 901	Citric Acid
Heavy Water	Detergent, Water Solution
Ethylene Gycol (anti-freeze)	Potassium Chloride
Sodium Hydroxide, 3 mole	Methanol
Natural Gas	Oxygen, Cold
Vegetable Oil	Water Zinc Salts

Extensive weathering tests have shown that silicone rubber substantially resists the deteriorating effects of sunlight, ozone, rain water and atmospheric gases which cause weathering. Even very dry conditions coupled with harsh sunlight will not dry out or have an affect on silicone rubber.

Flexfab silicone is noted for its water resistance... Silicone rubber is noted for its water resistance. It has an extremely low degree of water absorption and its mechanical properties show minimal change, even after long periods of immersion. After four years of undersea exposure, at a depth of 4,350 feet, silicone rubber samples showed little change in appearance or properties compared to shelf-aged, control samples. At low or moderate pressure, silicone rubber is hardly affected by steam.

Flexfab silicone is inherently flame retardant... To some extent, silicone rubber is inherently flame retardant and most formulations will pass UL 94 HB. Some compounds have approval for use where flame retardant materials are required and must meet the UL 94V-0 rating.

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