SILICONE Vs. RUBBER
As a man-made polymer, silicone, whilst still a rubber, is better referred to as a synthetic rubber or elastomer. It is engineered to give a variety of benefits over more conventional elastomers and rubbers.
- Silicone’s extreme temperature resistance means it out performs and out-lives most other elastomers.
- Where other rubbers will crack, break or become brittle in harsh environments, silicone’s excellent resistance to UV, Ozone and weathering means it is the product of choice to meet these issues head on.
- As a great insulator, silicone can and is used in many thermal insulation applications where other rubbers would fail.
- As a sponge, it is inherently more cost effective when compared to solid silicones or other rubbers
Thermal Resistance
Silicone outperforms other rubbers and elastomers when thermal resistence is involved, retaining its mechanical properties in temperatures from -50°C up to 250°C. Hight temperature grades up to 280°C.
UV, Ozone & Weather Resistant
SIlicone sponge has fantastic resistance to weather and other external forces making it a great solution for outdoor applications where other rubbers just don’t quite cut it.
Longevity
Where other rubbers become brittle or break down over time, research shows silicone’s lifespan outlives those of its competitors, benefitting maintance issues across all applications.
Excellent Compression Set
Silicone sponge offers a great compression set of 15% typical, giving it great sealing ability and making it the material of choice.
Excellent Moisture Resistance & Low Dust
Ingress
This gives silicone sponge an additional edge to other cellular elastomers, making it great for electrical
enclosures and many industrial applications.
Thermal Resistance Vs Other Rubbers
A Diverse Product
Silicone Sponge is available in a range of grades allowing it suitability to a diverse range of applications.
GP– General Purpose. (PremSil P10, P16, P24, P33)HT – High Temperature
FDA– Fully Compliant to FDA 21 CFR 177.260.
FR– Flame Retardent. Compliant to UL94-V0.
RG – Rail Grade. Low smoke/toxicity. Compliant to EN45545-2.
You can find out more about the available range of material grades here.