WHY USE SILICONE
Here’s just a few of the many advantages that silicone rubber offers over other types of elastomers:
Temperature Resistance: Silicone maintains its physical properties at temperature extremes where other elastomers fail. Service temperatures of +500°F to -130°F offers reliable sealing in the most demanding environment. At ambient temperatures, silicone has been shown to retain its physical properties for up to 20 years.
Fire Resistance: Silicone is difficult to ignite, and when it does burn it burns to a non-conductive ash. While burning, silicone does not give off toxic materials.
Ozone and Corona Resistance: The ozone resistance of silicone rubber approaches that of mica. Silicone rubber also has excellent corona resistance.
Resistance to Weathering: Silicone rubber resists the deteriorating effects of sunlight, ozone, and gases which cause cracking and crazing. It is inherently water repellent, and it is not affected by moist operating conditions. Very dry conditions will not cause silicone to leach or dry out. Silicone rubber also has good resistance to acids, bases, salts and minerals found in soil.
Inertness: Silicone rubber is extremely stable, and will not cause staining, corrosion, or deterioration of materials with which it comes in contact.
Fungal Resistance: Silicone will not support the growth of fungus. Antimicrobials can be added to the formulations to enhance its resistance to microbes.
Low Compression Set: Compression set of silicone is comparable to organic rubber over the operating temperature range of -40°F to +212°F and superior to most organic rubbers at temperatures below -40°F and greater than +212°F.
Mechanical Characteristics: Silicone rubber has excellent physical properties equal to most commonly used organic elastomers. It is strong, resilient, and stretchable at temperatures where other elastomers fail. Silicone is available in a wide range of hardnesses from 20 to 80 shore “A” and even softer for sponge materials. This range allows designers to select the hardness and material construction to fit your specific function.
Note: Information contained is based on empirically derived laboratory test data, which we believe to be reliable. We have no control over the end applications of these materials; therefore we cannot guarantee the same results. It is recommended that each user conduct their own in-house tests to determine material suitability.