What is Silicone Rubber?
Silicone rubber is a highly versatile synthetic elastomer made from silicon, oxygen, carbon, and hydrogen. Unlike natural rubber, it provides superior thermal resistance, flexibility, chemical stability, and biocompatibility. These unique properties make it a preferred material across industries such as automotive, medical, electronics, and construction—especially for producing rubber sealing strips, gaskets, and insulation profiles.
How is Silicone Rubber Made?
The production of silicone rubber involves five key steps:
- Silicon Extraction: Silicon is derived from silica (SiO₂) through high-temperature reduction.
- Reacting with Methyl Chloride: Produces dimethyldichlorosilane, the foundation for polymerization.
- Distillation: Purifies and separates target compounds.
- Hydrolysis: Water is added to create silanol groups (Si-OH).
- Polymerization: Silanol undergoes condensation to form long-chain silicone polymers.
Classification of Silicone Rubber
– Based on Organic Groups
- Methyl Silicone Rubber – Excellent flexibility, used for sealing strips, medical tubing, O-rings.
- Phenyl Silicone Rubber – Better low-temperature and radiation resistance. Ideal for aerospace, electronics.
- Vinyl Silicone Rubber – Enhanced curing performance; used in custom silicone extrusions.
– Based on Curing Method
- HTV (High Temperature Vulcanized) – Cures above 150°C, highly durable, ideal for industrial seals.
- RTV (Room Temperature Vulcanized) – Cures at room temperature, suitable for prototyping and molds.
- LSR (Liquid Silicone Rubber) – Injected via mold systems, widely used in baby care, medical devices, and food-grade products.
Key Advantages of Silicone Rubber
- High Temperature Resistance (−60°C to 230°C)
- Chemical Stability – Resists oils, solvents, acids, and bases
- UV & Ozone Resistant – Ideal for outdoor environments
- Excellent Elasticity & Flexibility
- Biocompatibility – Safe for medical and food-grade use
- Electrical Insulation – Widely used in electrical sealing parts
- Durability – Long-lasting performance in harsh conditions
Potential Drawbacks of Silicone Rubber
- Higher Cost than standard rubbers
- Low Tear Strength under high mechanical stress
- Limited Color Variety
Therefore, it is important to match the material with the actual application environment.
Applications Across Industries
At Taiwan Okin Huasu Group Limited, we use high-performance silicone rubber to develop advanced rubber sealing strips, flame-retardant seals, and co-extrusion profiles for the following industries:
- 🚗 Automotive Manufacturing – door seals, engine gaskets
- 🏠 Window & Door Systems – insulation sealing profiles
- 🏥 Medical & Healthcare – food-grade, biocompatible seals
- 🔌 Electrical & Electronics – cable gaskets, insulators
- 🧼 Consumer Goods – kitchenware, baby products
FAQ
Q: Is silicone rubber recyclable?
A: Yes, but the recycled product usually has reduced performance.
Q: Is silicone rubber toxic?
A: No. It is widely used in medical and food-grade products due to its safety.
Q: Is silicone rubber better than natural rubber?
A: For high-temperature and chemical applications, yes. However, it is more expensive.
Final Thoughts
Silicone rubber is a smart investment for any manufacturer seeking durable, flexible, and high-performance sealing solutions. If your application involves extreme temperatures, chemical exposure, or requires biocompatibility, silicone rubber is the right choice.
📩 Want to explore customized silicone sealing solutions for your project?