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The Advantages & Disadvantages of Silicone Rubber
Silicone rubber is an elastic and flexible polymer made from certain types of silicones. It is generally used in making gaskets and insulation. Silicone rubber must be manufactured to create its rubber-like property, which lends itself to shaping and molding processes. Silicone rubber is used for many purposes; there are notable advantages and disadvantages when using this material.
Chemical Resistance
The greatest advantage of silicone rubber is its considerable resistance powers. Silicone rubber has the ability to resist acids, bases, solvents, chemicals, oils and water.
Economical and Versatile
Silicone rubber is stable and versatile. It is stable because of its reliability; it can remain in service for a long time and thereby reduce production costs. Silicone rubber is versatile because it contains compounds that are easy to mix. It also does not pose the danger of flammable or toxic solvents. Newly molded silicone rubbers will cure or dry at room temperature without the need for an oven. Rubber of this capacity can easily bond to primed surfaces. Electrical and mechanical properties of silicone rubber can remain unchanged from extreme temperatures to low temperatures.
Cost
While silicone rubber reduces production costs, molding and sustaining some rubber can become costly. For example, liquid silicone rubber can increase costs due to the need for an injection rubber machine and oven-curing methods.
Other Disadvantages
Some silicone rubbers can be bulky or thick in appearance, which can be a disadvantage if hoping to create a discreet look. Silicone rubber also has a high viscosity, resisting the force that allows liquid to flow. This is a disadvantage if using silicone rubber in insulation. This rubber must be vacuumed and degassed to stop bubbles from becoming trapped in the rubber. Silicone rubber can also be resistant to curing (referred to as cure inhibition) if there is contact with substances containing sulfur or clay. Except for liquid silicone rubber, all types of silicone rubber are susceptible to these disadvantages.
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