If you’re like most people, you probably think of silicone rubber as that little black thing that keeps your cell phone from getting scratched. But did you know that there are actually many different types of silicone rubber, and each one has its own unique set of properties and uses?
In this blog, we’ll take a closer look at what silicone rubber is, what it’s used for, and some of the different types that are available. So whether you’re looking to protect your phone or something else entirely, read on to learn more about this amazing material!
Introduction
Silicone rubber is an elastomer composed of siloxane, a linear polymer made up of alternating silicon and oxygen atoms. This unique material offers a combination of properties that make it ideal for use in a wide variety of applications.
What is Silicone Rubber?
Silicone rubber is an elastomer (rubber-like material) composed of silicone—itself a polymer—and oxygen. The first silicone product was developed in the 1930s and since then it has become an essential part of many industries, including automotive, aviation, healthcare, and construction.
There are many different types of silicone rubber, each with unique properties that make it well suited for specific applications. For example, some silicones can withstand high temperatures while others can resist harsh chemicals. Some silicones are also transparent, making them ideal for use in optical applications.
Properties of Silicone Rubber
Silicone rubber is based on a polymer composed of silicon together with oxygen, carbon, hydrogen, and sometimes other elements. By varying the amount of each element in the polymer, silicone rubber can be engineered to offer a wide variety of properties and performance characteristics.
The base polymer is a silicon-oxygen backbone (Si-O-Si) with methyl groups side branching from each silicon atom. The placement and number of these side groups determines the level of functionality and performance of a given silicone compound. For example, adding vinyl groups to the side chains makes the silicone flexible and transparent; adding methyl groups makes it oil-resistant.
Properties
Silicone rubbers are widely used in industry because they offer a unique combination of properties including:
* Low temperature resistance: Silicone rubbers can be used over a wide temperature range, from −55 °C up to +300 °C. This is much wider than organic rubbers which start to degrade at around −50 °C. They maintain most of their physical properties even at very low temperatures. High Temperature Resistance: Fluorosilicone rubbers exhibit extremely good high temperature stability and retain their flexibility up to 260 degrees celsius.
* Good electrical insulation properties: The outstanding electrical insulating properties of silicone make it suitable for use in many electronic applications where other elastomers would break down due to high electrical fields or tracking (the formation of paths by tracking electrons).
* Wide operating temperature range: Most silicones can be used across a wide temperature range from approximately −55° C up to +300° C without significant change in their key physical properties; some types can even be used at temperatures approaching +315° C. This makes them suitable for use as seals and gaskets in extremely hot environments where organic rubbers cannot perform satisfactorily. In addition, they are often selected because they can remain flexible at extremely low temperatures where organic rubbers become hard and brittle.
* Good moisture resistance: Silicone rubbers have good stability when exposed to water, steam, extremes of humidity or desiccating conditions.
Uses of Silicone Rubber
There are countless uses of silicone rubber. It is used in products as diverse as medical devices and cooking utensils, and it has even found its way into construction and automotive applications. Silicone rubber is prized for its versatility, durability and resistance to extreme temperatures. Here are just a few of the many ways it is used:
-Medical devices: Silicone rubber is often used in medical devices because it is non-toxic and does not react with human tissue. It is also resistant to bacteria, making it ideal for use in items such as catheters, wound dressings and implants.
-Cooking utensils: Many cooking utensils, such as spatulas and baking mats, are made from silicone rubber because it can withstand high temperatures.
-Construction: Silicone rubber is used in construction for weatherproofing and sealing applications. It can also be used to make molds for concrete or plaster castings.
-Automotive: Silicone rubber is often used in automotive applications because of its resistance to extreme temperatures and harsh conditions. It is commonly used to make seals and gaskets for car engines.
Advantages of Silicone Rubber
Silicone rubber is an elastomer composed of silicone, a chain of alternating silicon and oxygen atoms with hydrocarbon side chains. It is mainly used for applications requiring heat resistance, electrical insulation, and chemical resistance. Additionally, it meets FDA standards for food contact, making it ideal for food-grade applications.
Disadvantages of Silicone Rubber
While silicone rubber has many advantages, there are also some disadvantages that should be considered before using it. One of the main disadvantages is that it is not as strong as other types of rubber. It is also not as heat resistant and can only be used up to temperatures of 300 degrees Fahrenheit. Another disadvantage is that it is not UV resistant and can degrade when exposed to sunlight.
Conclusion
In summary, there are many different types of silicone rubber with a variety of properties which make it an essential material for a wide range of products and applications. As a result of its excellent combination of properties, silicone rubber can be found in thousands of everyday items, from O-rings and gaskets to medical implants and cooking utensils.
References
Silicone rubber is a versatile material with many different applications. It can be used for everything from electrical insulation to cookware. Here are just a few of the most common uses for silicone rubber:
-Electrical insulation
-Cookware (bakeware, molds, etc.)
-Plumbing fixtures and pipes
-Automotive applications
-Sealing and weatherproofing
