Silicone rubber, also known as polysiloxane, is a synthetic polymer that belongs to the elastomer family. It is composed of repeating units of siloxane, which consists of silicon (Si) atoms bonded to oxygen (O) atoms with organic groups attached to the silicon atoms. Silicone rubber exhibits unique properties due to its chemical structure.
Silicone rubber is highly flexible and resilient, making it an excellent material for various applications. It possesses excellent thermal stability, remaining flexible and maintaining its properties over a wide temperature range, from extreme cold to high heat. This thermal resistance allows silicone rubber to withstand harsh environmental conditions without deteriorating.
Additionally, silicone rubber has excellent electrical insulation properties, making it ideal for electrical and electronic applications. It can resist the flow of electricity and provide protection against electrical shocks and short circuits.
Silicone rubber also exhibits exceptional resistance to moisture, chemicals, and UV radiation. It does not easily degrade when exposed to water, oils, solvents, or atmospheric conditions, making it suitable for outdoor applications and harsh chemical environments. Moreover, silicone rubber has low toxicity and is generally considered safe for various uses.
The material unique properties, such as its flexibility, resilience, thermal stability, electrical insulation, chemical resistance, and low toxicity, make silicone rubber widely used in various industries. It finds applications in automotive parts, aerospace components, electrical insulation, seals and gaskets, medical devices, kitchenware, baby products, and many other consumer and industrial products.