Silicone is a remarkable material. We often see the use of this material in our nearby machines, electronics, or other equipment. The silicone sheet is one of the most popular applications. It is a resilient & flexible material. As a result, it has become the first choice in the food, pharmaceutical, construction, marine, and automotive industries. You may also find the use of this material in HVAC systems and electrical insulation.
This article explains the basics of a silicone sheet, precisely a silicone rubber extrusion sheet. Later, we shall look at their many grades, kinds, and applications. The purpose is to assist readers in choosing suitable silicone sheets for their project. In addition, we will address some of our readers’ commonly asked questions. Let’s take a closer look at their descriptions.
Table of Contents
What Is Silicone Rubber?
Silicone is a chemically inert synthetic compound. We often find it in various forms, such as oil, rubber, and resin. The silicone acts as a polymer when it contains hydrocarbons & oxygen. However, silicone rubber is a rubber-like material. We can put it in the group of elastomers. There are a wide range of silicone rubber products. For example, extruded silicone profiles, adhesives, medical, and insulations are noteworthy. oHow
We can create a wide range of rubber products using silicone rubber as raw material. These rubber products are prevalent in many industries. The main focus of this section is to highlight the fundamentals of silicone sheets made from silicone rubber extrusion. But before that, let’s look at some of the most popular silicone rubber products.
| Industries | Popular Silicon Rubber Products |
| Automotive | Gaskets, seal strips, O-rings, hoses |
| Aerospace | Extruded silicone gasket, insulations, sealants |
| Electronics | Keyboards, keypad overlays, and insulators |
| Medical | Tubes, implants |
| Construction | Weatherstripping, silicone sheet |
| HVAC | Seals, extruded silicone gasket, tubes |
| Energy | Electrical insulation, solar panel encapsulation |
Among all these products, silicone extrusion products dominate the silicone rubber market. In the following, let’s find out some of the demanding silicone rubber extrusion products in the market.
| Extruded Silicone Products | Description |
| Extruded Silicone Tubing | Silicone Rubber tubing is prevalent in medical devices, pharmaceuticals, and food processing. It is typically used for food transfer and electrical insulation. |
| Extruded silicone gasket & seal | Extruded silicone rubber is often used to create custom rubber seals & gaskets. |
| Rubber Cord | Silicone rubber cords are employed for sealing applications. We often find it in electrical components like ovens & refrigerators. |
| Silicone Extrusion Profiles and Seal strips | Silicone extrusions are used as weatherstripping or edge protectors. |
| Silicone Sheet | A silicone sheet is prevalent in vibrations, dampening & sealing applications. |
What Is A Silicone Sheet? How Silicon Sheet Is Made?
A silicone sheet is a versatile material used in various industries due to its unique properties. Temperature resistance, flexibility, and chemical inertness are all advantages of it. These characteristics make them valuable in various applications. We can often find them in many applications. They come in different thicknesses, sizes, and forms. Besides, they can be solid or sponge-like. The product’s hardness may depend on the compound’s chemical structure.
The manufacturing process of a silicone sheet is typically a rubber extrusion process. The process starts with mixing the raw silicone rubber in the extruder. In a controlled setting, the raw materials are accurately measured & blended. This mixing ensures the components are combined evenly. Then, it produces a uniform extrusion silicone compound.
The silicone compound is then blended and put into an extrusion machine. A screw or plunger on this machine pushes the material through a specific die to achieve the appropriate sheet form. The die’s width and thickness define the sheet’s final dimensions. Later, the curing, cooling, and quality control processes complete the manufacturing process.
Why Should We Use Silicone Rubber Sheet?
Rubber silicone extrusions exhibit several unique properties. These characteristics make these products highly desirable for a wide range of applications. Here are some fundamental properties of a silicone rubber sheet:
#1 Temperature Resistance: Silicone rubber sheets can withstand extreme temperatures. They can smoothly operate in high & low temperatures. They remain flexible and maintain their properties in temperatures above 200°C and below as low as -60°C.
#2 Flexibility & Elasticity: Silicone sheets are highly flexible & elastic. These two characteristics allow them to be easily deformed and return to their original shape. This elasticity makes them ideal for applications involving movement or deformation.
#3 Chemical Resistance: Silicone rubber is chemically inert and resistant to various chemicals. For example, acids, bases, solvents, and oils are noteworthy.
#4 Electrical Insulation: Silicone rubber is an excellent electrical insulator. We already know that it insulates various electrical components like ovens and refrigerators. It is also prevalent in wires and cables used in the electronics and electrical industries.
#5 Weather & UV Resistance: Silicone sheet is resistant to weathering & UV exposures. This property makes them suitable for outdoor applications.
#6 Vibration Dampening: This property is one of the most crucial benefits of silicone rubber extrusion products. Silicone sheets can effectively dampen vibrations. As a result, this property makes silicone sheets valuable in vibration isolations.
Wide Application of Silicone Rubber Sheet
In the previous section, we have explored the fundamental properties of a silicone rubber sheet. We have learned that these materials provide superior properties than other rubber materials. Because of these properties, a silicone rubber sheet can be seen in various applications. In this section, we will discuss these applications in brief.
Silicone rubber sheets are highly adaptable materials with several applications. Flooring & roofing are the most common applications of a silicone rubber sheet. In roofing, a silicone rubber sheet provides excellent resistance to temperature & extreme weathering. In unwelcome climates, they are used in flat or low-slope roofing systems for waterproofing & UV protection.
Silicone rubber sheets may be used as flooring in industrial or commercial settings. They also give good resistance to severe heat and toxins in these cases. These sheets can be utilized to create surfaces with slip-resistant properties. In temperature- and chemical-sensitive environments, it insulates carpets or floors.
Remember that silicone rubber sheets are the most popular solution for these applications. Their qualities make them suited for specific situations where their advantages are critical.
Some Limitations Of Silicone Rubber Sheet
Although silicone rubber sheet offers many benefits, it has some limitations. One major disadvantage of silicone rubber sheets is its poor tear strength. Unlike other rubber materials, silicone sheets can not offer high tear strength. However, you may improve it by adding other ingredients. Therefore, silicone sheets may not be suitable for those applications where tear strength is concerned.
Moreover, silicone sheets can be more expensive than other rubber materials. It might impact your overall project budget.
Different grades of silicone rubber
Silicone rubber is a flexible material that comes in a variety of grades. Each adapted to individual needs and industry standards. Here’s a rundown of the various silicone rubber grades:
- General-purpose silicone is the most often used grade and performs well. It’s well-known for its versatility, wide temperature range, and moisture.
- High Strength: High-strength silicone offers better tear and tensile strength. Consequently, it can bear more stress. It is appropriate for applications requiring durability & load-bearing capacity.
- Food-grade Silicone: Food-grade silicone complies with FDA and European Union food contact requirements. This makes contact with food and beverages safe. It is non-toxic, odourless, and chemically resistant. As a result, they are suitable for kitchenware, food processing, and medical devices.
- Flame Retardant Silicone: Flame-retardant silicone resists combustion. It is utilized in situations when fire safety is critical. It is used in the electronics, aerospace, and automotive sectors.
- Electrical conductive silicone: This silicone grade is intended to be electrically conductive. It dissipates static charges and prevents electrical discharge. It’s employed where electrical conductivity is required.
- Medical grade Silicone: Silicone rubber is prevalent in medical implants, gadgets, and pharmaceuticals. Medical-grade silicone is biocompatible, non-reactive, and safe. It meets the healthcare industry’s demanding regulatory criteria, assuring patient safety.
Frequently Asked Questions
#1 Is silicone rubber better than natural rubber?
Silicone rubber has advantages over natural rubber. It provides better temperature resistance, electrical insulation, and chemical resistance. However, the choice depends on the specific application.
#2 Are silicone sheets sticky?
Silicone sheets can have varying levels of tackiness. But they are not inherently sticky. Some silicone sheets are designed to be non-stick. On the other hand, others may have a tacky surface for specific applications.
#3 Is silicone rubber waterproof?
Silicone rubber is waterproof and offers excellent water resistance. It is commonly used in applications where waterproofing is necessary.
#4 What is the weakness of silicone rubber?
The weakness of silicone rubber includes its relatively high cost compared to other rubber materials. It also provides lower tear & abrasion resistance.
Conclusion
In conclusion, silicone rubber comes in several grades to meet the demands of diverse sectors. The silicone sheet is used for almost every need. You may find it ordinary to high-strength, food-grade, flame-retardant, and medical-grade. Silicone sheet provides excellent temperature tolerance, flexibility, and chemical inertness. It is used in automotive, medical, electronics, and construction.
Above all, please contact us with any silicone rubber grade or application queries. Our professionals can advise you on your project or sector. We want to help you select the right silicone rubber.