Silicone, or siloxane, is one of the most commonly used synthetic rubber materials. Silicone refers to a large group of materials that have vinyl methyl silicone (VMQ) as the key ingredient. All silicone is based on a silicon-oxygen bond in structure, and this material outperforms natural rubber in many applications. There are several key categories of silicone:
While it is part of the synthetic rubber family, silicone can be described as something between a plastic polymer and a synthetic rubber. As such, it has a number of benefits for sealing applications. Silicone is able to retain its flexibility in both extreme heat and extreme cold, and it can perform for a long period of time. To learn more about silicone and its potential use in your application, please reach out to NCS.
When you need strong performance in a demanding environment, silicone is often a great choice. For example, because it can withstand extreme temperatures, radiation, and the harsh chemicals that are used as part of the FDA-regulated sterilization process, silicone is an ideal medical-grade material. Because of its natural malleability and repellent properties, silicone is also an excellent choice for sealants. The many benefits of silicone compared to natural rubber include:
Silicone can be used in many applications, including those that require moderate water resistance, exposure to diluted salt solutions, animal and vegetable oil and grease, brake fluid, and high molecular weight chlorinated aromatic hydrocarbons, as well as many other chemicals. However, silicone should not be used with the following chemicals:
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