Silicones are a family of high-efficiency supplies whose unique molecular construction imply that they’ll are available many different types, together with liquids, solids, semi-viscous pastes, oils, greases and rubber. We use this versatile rubber materials in a variety of settings, from visible, highly aesthetic components to meals-grade kitchen utensils. In this text, Martin’s Rubber explains the benefits and disadvantages of silicone rubber — https://www.diigo.com/ -.
What’s silicone rubber?
Silicone is a remarkable materials. This semi-natural synthetic rubber (to not be confused with the chemical ingredient silicon) consists of a sequence of silicon and oxygen atoms, versus the carbon and hydrogen atoms prevalent in most different types of rubber.
This molecular construction is a mixed blessing when it comes to silicone’s properties.
On the one hand, this backbone of siloxane bonds offers silicone its low thermal conductivity, resulting in a particularly heat resistant and thermally stable materials. However, while stable and flexible, silicone’s chain is weak, which means it tears simply.
Let’s look on the advantages and disadvantages of silicone rubber in greater detail.
Advantages of silicone rubber
Listed below are just a few of the main advantages of silicone rubber:
Heat resistant
One in every of the principle advantages of silicone rubber is its heat resistance. It affords excellent high-temperature resistance, with some compounds capable of withstand temperatures up to 305 °C. Silicone’s thermal stability means it retains its construction and properties over a large temperature vary. This extends to low temperatures too, which implies this synthetic rubber can maintain its flexibility even at -100°C.
Hygienic
Have you ever ever puzzled why so many kitchen utensils are fabricated from silicone? Properly, silicone rubber that’s because another benefit of silicone rubber is its non-porous nature. This makes it resistant to bacterial construct-up, making silicone particularly helpful in food and beverage functions, where food-grade compounds can present total peace of thoughts. Silicone can be non-toxic, water-repellent and recyclable at specialised plants.
Disadvantages of silicone rubber
Here are some of the disadvantages of silicone rubber:
Tear strength
One in all the key disadvantages of silicone rubber is its poor tear strength. This may be improved with the addition of other substances, Silicone rubber but it doesn’t naturally provide energy or abrasion resistance, so the applying needs to be rigorously assessed for the suitability of silicone as a solution.
Price
One other disadvantage of silicone elastomers is that as a premium product they will come with a equally premium worth tag compared to another rubber materials. Nevertheless, this initial outlay is commonly offset by improvements in uptime and high quality control. Again, talking to a specialist like Martin’s Rubber will allow you to realize a clearer understanding of silicone’s ROI as regards to your specific utility.
Like all supplies, silicone has its benefits and shortcomings. Despite a few of its extra impressive qualities, it definitely isn’t relevant for every application. To find out more about the advantages of silicone or to discuss how our rubber moulding companies can help your utility necessities in more detail, communicate to certainly one of our pleasant and educated specialists here at Martin’s Rubber. They are going to be solely too completely satisfied to supply their advice and steerage.