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Ready to ShipPlatinum silicone is a highly regarded material due to its exceptional elasticity, longevity, and ability to withstand extreme temperatures. Below are the various forms:
Liquid Silicone Rubber (LSR)
LSR is a two-component system requiring mixing of Part A and Part B, usually in a 1:1 ratio. This rubber type is notably injection-moulded using a platinum catalyst, effectively curing at elevated temperatures. Subsequent properties include outstanding transparency, premium chemical resistance, and superior durability when compared with other silicones. LSR's low viscosity promotes ease in intricate mould designs. Key areas of application extend to the medical field, commercial goods, and the production of high-detail moulded parts.
High-Temperature Vulcanising Silicone (HTV)
Unlike LSR, which is liquid, this silicone rubber comes in a thick, sticky paste form. Although the curing process takes longer than others, extreme heat environments often necessitate HTV silicone. Its heat resistance exceeds that of LSR, often finding its utility in high-temperature industrial settings. When combining platinum cure silicone with fillers, such as glass fibre or metal powders, it reinforces critical applications requiring additional strength.
Room-Temperature Vulcanising Silicone (RTV)
RTV silicone cures at room temperature, making it more accessible and efficient regarding the product's ease of use. It often comes in a single component tube requiring exposure to moisture for curing. RTV is proven effective with less intricate moulds and components used in low-temperature environments. This silicone is exceptionally effective in sealing, insulating, and repairing parts, thereby popularising it in both home and industrial environments.
Radiation Vulcanised Silicone (RVS)
RVS is a platinum-cure silicone variant cured via exposure to gamma or electron beam radiation. This method of curing enhances silicone's chemical resistance and electrical properties. Thus, RVS is highly effective in industries like nuclear power or medical devices where materials require stringent performance criteria. Even though RVS isn't as commonly used as HTV or LSR, it meets highly specialised needs where durability and safety rank as top priorities.
Platinum-cured silicone stands out due to multiple beneficial features. They include:
Exceptional Durability
When compared to all other silicone types, the durability of platinum-cure silicone stands above and beyond. Consistent exposure to UV light, weather elements, and extreme temperatures won't cause this material to degrade. This durability feature enables it to stand the test of time in outdoor and industrial applications. Because of its resilience, this silicone effectively reduces the cost and frequency of replacing components, especially in areas with high-stress workloads.
Biocompatibility
The unique platinum-cured silicone does not release harmful substances, making it highly suitable for the medical industry. Its biocompatibility renders it ideal for medical-grade devices, surgical tools, and implants. In addition, this silicone withstands sterilisation processes, such as autoclaving, without losing any properties. Its ability to maintain safety in sensitive health environments makes this silicone a vital material.
Temperature Resistance
The silicone can function efficiently across a wide range of temperatures, from -60°C to 200°C. This temperature tolerance renders it highly useful for components regularly exposed to heat or cold, for example, in automotive or aerospace sectors. Additionally, the silicone's ability to maintain elasticity and strength at any temperature variation denotes it capable of premium performance in dynamic environments, hence suitable even in extreme temperature conditions.
Highly Customisable Shore Hardness
Shore hardness simply refers to the measure of rubber's resistance to indentation. The resistance of platinum-cured silicone to indentation varies within a broad range of Shore hardness. Hence, this flexibility makes it useful for diverse applications, from medical devices where softness is crucial to automotive seals that require high rigidity. Users can adjust hardness grades to fit specific application performance requirements.
Low Compression Set
The compression set refers to silicone's ability to return to its original shape after prolonged compression. Unlike other materials, platinum-cure silicone boasts a minimal compression set, making it ideal for gaskets and seals. This property further ensures that even after extended periods under pressure, such as in mechanical assemblies, this silicone does not deform. This feature gets considered crucial for maintaining long-term performance in critical applications.
Platinum-lined silicone rubber solves a myriad of issues across many industries due to its unique qualities. These include:
Manufacturing of Medical Devices
This silicone rubber type has FDA-approved biocompatibility, making it an important material in the medical field. It applies to medical devices, implants, and prosthetics that require sterilisability, durability, and body fluid resistance. Examples include surgical tools, catheters, and artificial organs. The platinum-cured silicone can withstand intense sterilisation processes, including autoclaving, maintaining its integrity and safety.
Food Industry
Its non-toxicity and resistance against heat make this silicone ideal in the food processing industry. It finds use in kitchenware, baking moulds, and food storage containers. In addition, the silicone adheres to stringent food safety requirements. It also does not leach harmful chemicals into the food. It also can resist temperatures exceeding 200°C, making it suitable for cooking and baking applications.
Aerospace and Automotive Sectors
This silicone is well suited to withstand extreme temperatures, making it an important material in aerospace and automotive spaces. Regardless of whether it is seals, gaskets, or engine components, this silicone maintains its elasticity and durability within a broad temperature variation. Platinum-cured silicone also possesses excellent chemical resistance to oils, fuels, and other automotive fluids.
Consumer Products
The flexibility, durability, and premium quality finish of this silicone rubber make it desirable for many household items. Examples include child safety products, kitchen gadgets, and moulds for baking and candy making. Its durability ensures the continuous performance of items like toys, that are often subjected to wear and tear. Additionally, its ability to resist UV exposure ensures that outdoor products, like mats and grips, retain colour and integrity.
Industrial Applications
This silicone is widely used due to its premium quality and durability in electrical insulators, industrial seals, and weatherproofing gaskets. It is also used in high-stress environments in the chemical and electronics industries, known for superior chemical resistance. Additionally, silicone's low compression set property ensures long-term sealing effectiveness in machinery and equipment.
The selection of premium quality platinum-cured silicone demands the consideration of multiple factors so the material can meet specific application conditions. Below are the factors to consider:
Expected Temperature Range
This silicone is suitable for a wide temperature range, from -60°C to over 200°C. Identify the operational temperatures of the application before selecting a material. Opt for a platinum-cure silicone formulation specially developed for high or low temperature ranges.
Desired Shore Hardness
Platinum-cured silicone comes in various Shore hardness grades, ranging from soft to stiff. This variety allows for flexibility in designing gaskets, seals, or moulds, depending on the required compressibility and deformation in an application. Choose a hardness level that fits the specific needs of the project. For example, softer materials work best for medical devices, while stiffer ones require industrial machinery.
Expected Chemical Exposure
Consider the environment where the silicone will perform. If chemicals, oils, or solvents will likely come into contact with it, select a specially formulated silicone. Such a silicone will have premium-quality chemical resistance so that it will not degrade or lose functionality upon exposure. Silicone additives will enhance chemical resistance, especially for applications in the manufacturing or automotive sector.
Biocompatibility Needs
Due to its non-toxic nature, this silicone finds most of its uses in the medical and food industries. For instances where safety is of concern, such as medical implants or food containers, opt for platinum-cured silicone that meets biocompatibility standards. These include FDA regulations.
Level of UV Resistance
Assess whether the silicone will be exposed outdoors. In such situations, go for silicone materials formulated with enhanced UV stability. Such formulations will prevent degradation due to exposure to sunlight. UV resistance will also be useful for consumer products meant for outdoor use. Examples include mats or grips.
Platinum-cure silicone is cured through platinum catalysis, producing stronger and more durable materials than other kinds. Other types of silicone usually have their rubber cured through methods like heat or chemical activation. In addition, this silicone offers superior resistance against UV light, temperature, and chemicals. These properties make it highly suitable for medical, aerospace, and food applications.
This silicone's flexibility enables it to return to the original shape after stretching continually. Such a property makes it ideal for seals, gaskets, and moulds requiring repeated deformation. Furthermore, its inherent flexibility permits accommodation of expansion, contraction, and movement without cracking or wear to reserve material properties.
When stored under appropriate conditions, this silicone typically lasts between 12 and 24 months. Exposure to heat, UV light, and humidity degrades the material. To ensure maximum longevity, a user should store platinum-cure silicone in a cool, dark, and dry environment. In addition, the material should be kept in an airtight container.
Yes, this silicone is perfect for use in high- and low-temperature environments. It's why it's commonly used in automotive, aerospace, and industrial applications, where temperatures may reach more than 200°C. Also, its thermal stability ensures that it retains elasticity and strength at an interval of extreme temperatures.
