Among the many types of non-metallic materials Breiner offers, silicone rubber is a favored gasket choice for manufacturers. From medical to automotive, there are certain silicone rubber properties that support and improve production for different industries. So, what are these properties? Let’s take a closer look at what silicone rubber has to offer.
Discover the Difference Between Foam Rubber vs Sponge Rubber
Silicone Rubber Explained
Noting its many differences from rubber gaskets, manufacturers know silicone rubber as a synthetic elastomer compound made up of silicon, carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen. Through this combination, silicone rubbers’ properties are suitable for industries such as:
- Electrical
- Automotive
- Food-Handling and Production (FDA-grade)
- Medical
- Aerospace
This versatility comes from silicone’s natural flexibility, which enables the material to shape and mold to any size or machine application needed. In short, one of the best silicone rubber properties is its limitless potential to support different production environments—regardless of temperature, output, or machine design.
Important Silicone Rubber Properties
While there are many silicone rubber properties to consider, manufacturers looking to use silicone rubber gaskets ought to first consider whether such attributes suit their needs. Here are the important silicone rubber properties you should know:
1. Low Toxicity
One of the top properties of silicone rubber is its lack of toxic chemicals. Rated as one of the safest non-metallic materials for manufacturing, silicone rubber is perfect for making FDA-grade parts: which often support food production and medical healthcare devices.
2. High Stability
Silicone rubber is inert: therefore, it offers little to no reactivity to extreme environments. This stability ensures silicone rubber can endure electrical conduction, caustic chemicals, or the transference of energy.
Silicone rubber gaskets boast high stability against extreme manufacturing conditions and corrosive chemicals.
3. Temperature Resistance
Silicone rubber is also valued for its exceptional stability in high and sub-zero temperatures alike. Remarkably, silicone rubber gaskets can withstand extreme temperature ranges from −150°F to 570°F (-101°C to 299°C) while still operating to normal parameters. In turn, components made with silicone rubber can serve as sealants in aerospace engines, which must endure intense combustion and inhospitable cold within a matter of moments following launch.
4. Liquid Repellant
Liquid resistance comes naturally to silicone rubber due to its slick surface and impenetrable bonds. This makes any silicone rubber gaskets or seals the perfect insulators to help transfer fluids between machinery if needed. This includes water and many caustic chemicals, bases, acids, and oils that would break down other rubbers. As such, automotive and oil manufacturers value silicone rubber to insulate and ensure no leakage when pumping solvents to tanks or engines.
5. Medically Compatible and Sterile
One of the top silicone rubber properties is its ability to adapt to human physiology. Because silicone rubbers can be made to self-lubricate tubing or designed as radio opaque (translucent), these rubbers won’t cause blood or important fluids to clot; therefore, they easily integrate into most medical manufacturing devices. Furthermore, silicone rubbers can be medically sterilized with gamma radiation or other methods, making any tubes, pumps, or seals perfectly safe for patient treatment.
Find Silicone Rubber Material with Breiner
Before selecting the component material you need, it’s important to determine if any silicone rubber properties can truly support your production efforts. Whether you need a gasket or seal, trust Breiner’s experts to create and deliver the best quality part for your production process! Curious about the right material for you? Contact us today to find the perfect solution for your business.
