Silicone Rubber
Silicone rubber is a versatile and widely used material known for its unique properties and applications across various industries. It is a synthetic elastomer made from silicone, a polymer derived from silicon, oxygen, carbon, and hydrogen. One of the key characteristics of silicone rubber is its excellent temperature resistance. It can withstand extreme temperatures ranging from as low as -60°C to as high as 230°C without undergoing significant changes in its physical properties. This makes it an ideal choice for applications that involve exposure to heat, such as in automotive components, electrical insulation, and cooking utensils.
Another notable feature of silicone rubber is its exceptional flexibility and durability. It has a high degree of elasticity, allowing it to stretch and recover its original shape even after repeated deformation. This property makes silicone rubber suitable for sealing and gasketing applications, where it can provide an effective barrier against moisture, dust, and other environmental factors. Additionally, silicone rubber exhibits excellent resistance to UV radiation, ozone, and weathering, making it highly durable and long-lasting, even in outdoor applications.
Furthermore, silicone rubber is known for its excellent electrical insulation properties. It has a high dielectric strength and low electrical conductivity, making it an ideal material for insulating electrical wires and cables. Silicone rubber can also be formulated to have specific electrical properties, such as high thermal conductivity or resistance to corona discharge, making it suitable for a wide range of electrical and electronic applications. Overall, the combination of temperature resistance, flexibility, durability, and electrical insulation properties makes silicone rubber a highly sought-after material in numerous industries, including automotive, aerospace, electronics, and healthcare.
Compared to almost all other elastomers, silicone rubber is more resistant to temperature extremes, remaining functional between -80°F and +450°F. Silicone has a good compression set and a great temperature range. Numerous harsh situations can be endured by silicone. It is resistant to ammonia, certain acids, and a wide range of other chemicals, as well as water.
Common Name:
SIlicone
Chemical Name:
Polysilixane
Generally Resistant To:
Acid, Weather, Water, Sunlight, Ozone, Oxidation and Staining
Generally Attacked By:
Hydrocarbons, Ketones, Solvents, Impact and Abrasion
ASTM D 2000 / SAE J200 Classification:
FE, GE
MIL-R-3065 / SAE J-14 / MIL-STD-417 Classification:
TA
ASTM D-1418 Designation:
Q
Elongation:
100% to 900%
Hardness Range (Durometer Shore A):
30 to 90
Compression Set:
Good
Rebound Rating:
Good to Excellent
Flex Cracking Resistance:
Poor to Excellent
Abrasion Resistance:
Poor to Fair
Tear Resistance:
Poor
Impact Resistance:
Poor to Fair
Flame Resistance:
Good to Excellent
Minimum Service Temperature:
-80°F to -180°F
Maximum Service Temperature:
+550°F
Recommended Shelf Life:
20 years
Weather Resistance:
Excellent
Sunlight Resistance:
Excellent
Ozone Resistance:
Excellent to Outstanding
Oxidization Resistance:
Excellent
Water Resistance:
Excellent
Steam Resistance:
Fair to Good
Gas Permeability:
Poor to Fair
Radiation Resistance:
Good, 7 x 104 Ga Gy
Poor, 2 x 105 Ga Gy
Acetone:
Minor to Moderate Effect
Amonium Hydroxide:
RECOMMENDED: Little or Minor Effect
Animal Fats:
Minor to Moderate Effect
Carbon Dioxide:
RECOMMENDED: Little or Minor Effect
Chlorine:
DRY: – – –
WET: – – –
Fluorine (Liquid):
NOT RECOMMENDED
Fuel Oil:
NOT RECOMMENDED
Gasoline:
NOT RECOMMENDED
Hydrochloric Acid 37%:
HOT: NOT RECOMMENDED
COLD: Minor to Moderate Effect
Hydrochloric Acid Concentrate 37%:
HOT: NOT RECOMMENDED
COLD: NOT RECOMMENDED
Kerosene:
NOT RECOMMENDED
Methyl Ethyl Ketone:
– – –
Mineral Oil:
Minor to Moderate Effect
Naptha:
NOT RECOMMENDED
Natural Gas:
RECOMMENDED: Little or Minor Effect
Nitric Acid:
Concentrate: NOT RECOMMENDED
Dillute: Minor to Moderate Effect
Red Fuming: NOT RECOMMENDED
Petroleum:
Below 250: Minor to Moderate Effect
Above 250: NOT RECOMMENDED
Phosphoric Acid:
20%: – – –
45%: NOT RECOMMENDED
Propane:
– – –
Salt Water:
– – –
Skydrol:
Skydrol 500: Moderate to Severe Effect
Skydrol 7000: Minor to Moderate Effect
Sodium Hydroxide:
Minor to Moderate Effect
Sulfuric Acid:
Concentrate: NOT RECOMMENDED
Dillute: NOT RECOMMENDED
20% Oleum: NOT RECOMMENDED
Toluene:
NOT RECOMMENDED
Transformer Oil:
Minor to Moderate Effect
Vegetable Oils:
RECOMMENDED: Little or Minor Effect
Vinegar:
RECOMMENDED: Little or Minor Effect
- Actual shelf life could vary dramatically based on storage conditions
- Store in a cool, dry place with temperature below 75°F
- Keep away from direct heat or open flames
- Avoid contact with solvents or other fluids
- Do not store in direct sunlight
- Keep products wrapped or sealed to minimize the absorption of moisture
- Store in a relaxed condition free from tension, compression or other deformation
See Rubber Storage Conditions for more information about how to properly store your rubber products.