PT KwongFai Manufactory Batam – Silicone Rubber

silicone rubber sheet

Silicone Rubber Types You Should Know

Of the many types of polymers or rubber, silicone rubber has many advantages and is different from other types of rubber. Silicone has several physical conditions that you might not find in other polymers. Because silicone has many abilities, this type of rubber is commonly used for various types of industries.

Silicone Rubber, Used For Many Types Of Industries

Until now, more and more daily products are made using silicone. You may not realize that what you use every day are products made with silicone. Silicone can be found in vehicle equipment, construction, household appliances, and even rubber bracelets.

Some components in solar heaters are also made with silicone. Due to its elasticity and durability, silicone can help the panel withstand temperatures well, either low or high temperatures. If you already know what silicone is like, you also need to know what the types are.

Silicone Rubber Types

Silicone is built with a silicon base and oxygen, this is different from plastic bases which have hydrogen and carbon. That base combination is less stable than the silicone base combination. The combination of oxygen, silicon, and organic molecules groups such as methyl can give flexibility to silicone rubber.

There are several variants of silicone with different traits that can be chosen depending on its use.

  • MQ or methyl groups, the most basic silicone. MQ is also a type of silicone that was first ever developed.
  • VMQ or Methyl vinyl, can give ideal compression traits. VMQ is commonly used by many industries, vinyl in VMQ can support the vulcanization process.
  • MPQ or Methyl Phenyl PMPQ or Methyl Phenyl Vinyl is used to increase and maintain the rubber’s performance in low-temperature conditions.
  • Flouro, Vinyl, Methyl, or FVMQ are more resistant to solvent, oil, and fuel.

Not only should you be familiar with all the silicone types mentioned above, but you should also have knowledge of some of their various forms. Among the silicone variations, at least three forms are the main silicone forms which are depending on the method used. See further explanation in the points below:

silicone rubber sheet

1. Liquid

This silicone is more transparent and weather-resistant. This form of silicone has molecular chains but is the smallest one out of the other types. Because of these properties, these polymers have a molecular weight at a low level and they can either be injection molded or extruded with specialized equipment.

2. RTV

Room Temperature Vulcanized or RTV silicone is the combination of a mixture or just one component. RTV can harden at a certain temperature (room temperature) to medium or soft hardness. RTV is commonly used for encapsulations, sealant, or potting. Maybe you know about silicone molds, that are made from this silicone type.

3. HTV

High Temperature Vulcanized or HTV silicone is the opposite of Liquid because its polymer has a long chain and has the heaviest molecular weight. HTV usually must vulcanized first with the same temperature level as other rubber traditional types and is an unprocessed form.

That’s the article this time about silicone rubber and its types, silicone can provide useful characteristics for various needs. Because silicone is a food-grade material, more and more industries need this material. But, don’t forget to adjust the type to your needs.

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