SILICONE RUBBER

Chemical properties

The mechanical properties of silicone elastomers at room temperature are inferior to those of other elastomers.Silicone elastomers are unaffected by oxygen and ozone on natural ageing. Because of their water-repellency, silicone elastomers are not seriously affected by aqueous solutions of most chemical reagents.They are attacked by strong acids and alkalis. General purpose elastomers are swollen by aliphatic, aromatic and chlorinated hydrocarbons but much improved resistance is shown by nitrile- and fluorine-containing silicones. In general, room temperature- cured materials have lower solvent resistance.

The Uses of SILICONE RUBBER

The major use of conventional silicone elastomers is in aircraft components where high and low temperature properties and electrical insulation characteristics are utilized, e.g. gaskets, sealing strips, ducting and cable insulation. Room-temperature vulcanizing silicone elastomers are used for the encapsulation of electronic and electrical equipment and for caulking. Liquid silicone elastomers are used for injection moulding of such components as seals, diaphragms and O-rings. They are ideal for moulding intricate shapes and are particularly suited to high-speed, high-volume operations.