silicon rubber
Silicone rubber is a kind of polymer elastomer with polysiloxane as the main chain, which has the flexibility of organic polymers and the weather resistance of inorganic materials, and is widely used in medical, electronics, automotive and other fields. The following is a detailed classification, characteristics and application guide:
Core characteristics of silicone rubber
characteristic | Performance/Values | Compared to regular rubber (e.g. natural rubber) |
Temperature range | -60°C ~ +250°C | Natural rubber: -50°C~120°C |
Weather resistance | Resistant to UV, ozone, oxidation | Easy to age |
Electrical insulation | Excellent (Volume resistivity>10¹⁵ Ω·cm) | medium |
Biocompatible | Non-toxic and FDA-approved | Additives are required to modify |
Breathability | High permeability to O₂ and CO₂ | Low breathability |
Healthcare
Implantable grade: cochlear implant, catheter (ISO 10993 certified).
Non-implantable grade: respirator masks, medical electrode patches.
Electrical and electronic appliances
Sealing/insulation: mobile phone waterproof ring, LED encapsulant.
Thermally conductive silica gel: CPU heat dissipation gasket (thermal conductivity 1~5 W/m·K).
Automotive industry
Oil Seal: Engine gasket (long-term oil resistance to 150°C).
Safety components: Airbag coating (still flexible at -40°C).
Consumer Goods
Kitchenware: baking molds (resistant to 250°C and non-sticking).
Baby products: pacifiers (tear resistant, odorless).
Silicone rubber vs. other elastomers
characteristic | silastic | Natural rubber | Fluoroelastomer (FKM) |
Temperature resistance | -60°C~250°C | -50°C~120°C | -20°C~200°C |
Chemical resistance | Resistant to weak acids and alkalis | Poor (fear of oil, ozone) | Resistant to oils and strong acids |
cost | Higher | low | Extremely high |
Typical uses | Medical, Electronics | Tires, rubber bands | Chemical pipeline sealing |
Frontier development direction
The two are often used in combination to complement each other’s performance
Self-healing silicone rubber
microencapsulated healing agent for extended life.
Smart Response Material
Thermochromic silicone rubber (for sensors).
Environmentally friendly
bio-based silicone rubber (less petroleum dependence).
summary
Silicone rubber is an irreplaceable material for high-end manufacturing due to its extremely wide temperature range, biosafety and chemical inertness. From medical implantation to Mars rover seals, its application boundaries are still expanding, and the future will focus more on intelligence and sustainable development.