Liquid silicone rubber is a shear-thinning material that can be injection molded. Unlike earlier silicone grades, it has good fluidity and does not need to be heat-treated.
Its unique material properties include flexibility, stability, transparency, non-conductive electricity and fast curing. These features make it a valuable material for use in medical products, automotive components and electronic devices.
It is a two-part elastomer
Liquid silicone is a versatile material that can be used for a variety of applications. It can withstand extreme heat and is extremely durable. The mechanical properties of liquid silicone can be improved by utilizing different manufacturing processes. Injection molding and coating are both examples of this technology. Liquid silicone rubber is a viscoelastic polymer that has both elastic and viscous properties. It is tolerant to a wide range of temperatures, from -100 degC to 300 degC.
LSR is available in two components: component A and component B. These are delivered in separate containers to prevent the chemical reaction from starting. The A and B components are mixed using metering pumps for precision and minimal contamination. The mixture has a consistency similar to peanut butter or honey and can be colored before it is injected into the mold. It cures rapidly and produces no organic byproducts. It can withstand high temperatures and is resistant to water, oil and UV radiation.
It is a thermoset elastomer
Liquid silicone rubber is a thermoset elastomer that can be injected into molds and cured to produce durable, flexible parts. Its high resistance to corrosion and electrical stress makes it an ideal material for electronics. It is also thermally and electrically insulating, making it ideal for applications in which the product will be exposed to harsh environments.
This synthetic resin is a mix of polymers that join together by chemical bonds. When heated, this produces cross-linking that creates a permanent structure and gives it strength and durability. It is commonly used to make injection-molded products for a variety of industries. It can withstand high temperatures, so it is a good choice for automotive components that will be close to the engine. To ensure that your parts can withstand extreme temperatures, you should use a mold clamp to secure the mould during the injection process and then open it once it has cured. This will help prevent the material from moving around during the curing process and causing misalignments in the final part.
It is a thermoplastic elastomer
Silicone rubber is a highly versatile material that can be used for a variety of applications, including O-rings, extruded profiles, and custom shapes. It is typically used for applications that require a high level of performance and durability. This class of material is also known for its low compression set and excellent resistance to tearing, heat, and water.
Liquid silicone rubber (LSR) is a pumpable, colorless, optically clear paste that cures to a tough, durable, thermoset elastomer via platinum catalyzed addition-cure chemistry. It is ideal for liquid injection molding (LIM) processes that require short cycle times and trim-free manufacturing.
This type of material can be produced in a range of hardnesses from 10 to 80 durometer Shore A. It can be molded into various shapes and is used in a variety of applications, from pet toys to culinary gadgets. LSR is a shear-thinning fluid, meaning that its viscosity reduces under shear stress, such as the pressure applied during the injection process into a mould.
It is a thermosetting elastomer
Liquid silicone rubber is a thermoset material that maintains its mechanical properties across a wide temperature range. It is also biocompatible, making it an ideal choice for components that come into contact with human tissue. Its insulating capabilities make it ideal for electrical parts that require precise conductivity protection. It is odorless, nontoxic, and can be pigmented to match any color requirement, including human skin tones.
Its chemical bonding makes it resistant to chemicals, water, and oxidation, and it can resist high-temperature extremes without melting. It is also fire retardant and can withstand the pressure of vacuums. It can even be sterilized, making it an excellent choice for medical and healthcare applications.
It is important to understand the difference between thermoset and thermoplastic elastomers. The difference between them lies in their behavior during the production process. Thermoset materials are injected into a mold and heated, causing cross-linking in the polymer chains. This gives the substance permanent strength and shape. Thermoplastic elastomers, on the other hand, melt in a high-temperature environment and do not undergo cross-linking during solidification.