Silicone rubber is an extremely popular material in both the arts and industry. This rubber compound has many unique properties, making it suitable for many sophisticated applications.
The rubber is almost unaffected even by extreme weather conditions. It is stable at all temperatures and has a superior resistance to heat, moisture, electricity, oil, chemicals, radiation, and fire. The material is also flexible and resilient, and has a long life span. It is also easy to use and comfortable for users.
Silicone rubber is a great partner in many manufacturing processes. It’s used in deadlinenews electronics, automotives, home goods, leisure products, and food products, among other things. Every day, more functions are discovered and tested.
Silicon rubber is not only used in the manufacturing industry, but silicone rubber has also been used by artists to create a variety of works. It can even be used to create molds and castings. It can be used for many applications. The molds and casts are light, flexible, long-lasting and tear resistant. It is able to capture fine details and does not stick to other materials. The molds and casts are easily removed without the need for a release agent.
Silicone molds can also be used to cast many materials, including wax, soap, plaster and concrete.
Types and uses of silicone rubber
Silicone, a curing rubber, must be properly set to make it durable. The chemical process of vulcanization is where certain curatives and accelerators are added to the rubber.
There are many types of silicone rubber. They vary based on how they are cured. Examples include:
Solid Silicone rubber (HTV). This silicone is in its solid form. It must be cured at high temperatures to make it a high-temperature vulcanizing rubber. It has excellent properties and is used widely in various industrial sectors.
Liquid silicone rubber (HTV). This silicone rubber can be purchased in liquid form. This compound is two-part and must be mixed with a catalyst to cure. It’s also a high-temperature vulcanizing rubber with low viscosity, and a fast cycle time. It is ideal for injection molding because of its outstanding process benefits.
Room Temperature Vaulcanizing (RTV) – These rubbers can be cured at room temperature. You can choose from one- or two-part compounds. The vulcanization can also be done with catalysts like tin or platinum. The two-part RTVs can be used for silicone molds and casts, as well as industrial use.
Silicone rubbers can also be divided according to the type of catalyst into addition and condensation cure categories. Both can be used to make silicone molds or casts.