Advantage
The strong Si-O chemical structure and high bond energy give Si Elastomers their unique performance properties. Several benefits of silicone rubbers include:
- Silicone rubber has higher heat resistance and chemical stability that help it in providing better electrical insulation.
- It has high elasticity and compressibility as well as excellent resistance to cold temperatures.
- Silicone rubbers can withstand temperature ranging from -50°C to 350°C (depends in duration of exposure). Parts made of silicone rubber when exposed to wind, rain and UV rays for long periods result in virtually no change in physical properties. Unlike most organic rubbers, silicone rubber is not affected by ozone as well.
- Silicone rubber has outstanding oil resistance at high temperatures. From among other common types of synthetic rubbers, nitrile rubber and chloroprene rubber have somewhat higher oil resistance at temperatures lower than 100°C but at higher temperatures, silicone rubber is superior to all other rubber types.
- Silicone rubber has exceptional weather resistance. Ozone created by corona discharge does not deteriorate silicone rubber. Thus, silicone rubber can be exposed to wind, rain and UV rays for longer periods without any change in its physical properties.
- Thermal conductivity of silicone rubber is higher than most of the other rubbers. Silicone rubber with high thermal conductivity are used to make products like thermal interface sheets and heating rollers.
- Silicone rubber is flame retardant and has the property of low smoke emission.
- Excellent mechanical properties (high tear strength, high elongation)
- Wide hardness range, Compression set resistance.
Rubber vs Silicone Rubber
Silicone and rubber are both elastomers, however, although they share some characteristics, they do have several differing properties.
The atomic structures of rubber and silicone rubber differ. These differences can be seen in how each material reacts to various environments.
If you heat natural rubber, it will withstand temperatures of up to around 80°C before it starts to melt and degrade. Silicone, on the other hand, can withstand temperatures of up to 230°C. As a result, silicone also offers a better level of flame resistance than rubber, making it the best choice for high temperature applications.
Silicone also has a better chemical resistance, weather resistance, and UV resistance than rubber. When used outdoors, you will notice that rubber begins to break down extremely quickly, unlike silicone rubber which can withstand the elements far more effectively.
