Silicones are a household of excessive-efficiency supplies whose unique molecular construction imply that they will are available in many various varieties, together with liquids, solids, semi-viscous pastes, oils, greases and rubber. We use this versatile rubber materials in a spread of settings, from visual, highly aesthetic components to meals-grade kitchen utensils. In this article, Martin’s Rubber explains the benefits and disadvantages of silicone rubber.
What’s silicone rubber?
Silicone is a outstanding material. This semi-organic artificial rubber (not to be confused with the chemical ingredient silicon) consists of a sequence of silicon and oxygen atoms, as opposed to the carbon and hydrogen atoms prevalent in most other forms of rubber.
This molecular construction is a combined blessing by way of silicone’s properties.
On the one hand, this backbone of siloxane bonds offers silicone its low thermal conductivity, leading to an extremely heat resistant and thermally stable material. However, whilst stable and versatile, silicone’s chain is weak, which suggests it tears simply.
Let’s look on the advantages and disadvantages of silicone rubber in better detail.
Benefits of silicone rubber
Listed here are just some of the principle advantages of silicone rubber:
Heat resistant
One among the principle advantages of silicone rubber is its heat resistance. It gives outstanding excessive-temperature resistance, with some compounds in a position to withstand temperatures as much as 305 °C. Silicone’s thermal stability means it retains its structure and properties over a wide temperature range. This extends to low temperatures too, which means this synthetic rubber can maintain its flexibility even at -100°C.
Hygienic
Have you ever puzzled why so many kitchen utensils are fabricated from silicone? Effectively, that’s as a result of another advantage of silicone rubber is its non-porous nature. This makes it resistant to bacterial build-up, making silicone notably useful in meals and beverage functions, the place meals-grade compounds can provide whole peace of mind. Silicone can also be non-toxic, water-repellent and recyclable at specialised plants.
Disadvantages of silicone rubber
Listed below are some of the disadvantages of silicone rubber:
Tear energy
Considered one of the main disadvantages of silicone rubber is its poor tear strength. For those who have virtually any concerns relating to in which and also the way to work with silicone products buy, you are able to e mail us in the site. This may be improved with the addition of different ingredients, but it doesn’t naturally offer strength or abrasion resistance, so the applying must be rigorously assessed for the suitability of silicone as a solution.
Cost
Another drawback of silicone elastomers is that as a premium product they will include a equally premium worth tag in comparison with another rubber materials. Nevertheless, this initial outlay is commonly offset by improvements in uptime and quality management. Once more, speaking to a specialist like Martin’s Rubber will allow you to achieve a clearer understanding of silicone’s ROI on the subject of your specific application.
Like all materials, silicone has its advantages and shortcomings. Despite a few of its extra spectacular qualities, it actually isn’t relevant for each utility. To search out out extra about the benefits of silicone or to discuss how our rubber moulding companies can assist your application requirements in more element, converse to one in every of our friendly and educated specialists right here at Martin’s Rubber. They will be solely too happy to supply their recommendation and steering.