Silicone Rubbers

Summary

Heat curing types of silicone and fluorosilicone rubber are discussed, including the very latest types of liquid silicone rubbers designed for moulding and coating (e.g. wire and fabric) processes. The trend of the industry towards supplying silicone rubber in base form is described together with a number of new additives which improve the processing and/or vulcanisate properties.

The developments in processing of silicone and fluorosilicone rubber indicate the enormous improvements made since the early materials were introduced and how even non-milling, ready-to-use, silicone rubber has been developed by controlling the filler/polymer interaction.

A very high proportion of the usage of silicone rubbers is associated with electrical applications, particularly wire and cable for the electrodomestic appliance and automotive industries. The inherent properties of silicone rubber make it a natural choice in areas such as safety (flame retardant) cables and food contact applications. Examples of the latter uses are given. In addition reference is made to automotive hose, electrically conductive applications, dynamic seals and medical implants.

The trend towards the use of silicone rubber in consumer products (cars, domestic appliances, etc.) seems certain to expand its use. This has been made possible by the unique properties of silicone rubber combined with a new commercial and technical flexibility for the fabricator of finished parts.