Driven by stricter environmental regulations and carbon neutrality goals, the silicone rubber industry is undergoing a material revolution. Traditional silicone rubber relies on petroleum based raw materials, while the rise of bio based silicone rubber provides a new path for sustainable development. By replacing some methyl chlorosilane monomers with plant starch or sugarcane bagasse fermentation products, the carbon footprint of bio based silicone rubber can be reduced by more than 30% while maintaining excellent temperature resistance and electrical insulation. A certain enterprise has achieved mass production of commercial bio based silicone rubber, and its products have passed the EU RoHS certification, which is applied to children's toys and food contact grade seals.

In addition to raw material innovation, breakthroughs have also been made in the recycling technology of silicone rubber. Traditional silicone rubber is difficult to melt and regenerate due to its cross-linked structure, but through the "chemical depolymerization" process, Si-O bonds can be broken under the action of a catalyst, with a recovery rate of 85%. After purification, recycled materials can be re synthesized into low hardness silicone gel for use in non structural components such as keyboards and keys. The microwave-assisted depolymerization technology developed by a certain research team shortens the recovery cycle to 2 hours and consumes only 40% of the energy of traditional methods.

The green transformation of silicone rubber also extends to the field of additives. After the traditional flame retardant hexabromocyclododecane (HBCD) was banned, phosphazene based halogen-free flame retardants became mainstream, and their addition amount can reach UL94 V-0 level with less than 3%. In the medical field, the development of biodegradable silicone rubber has entered the clinical trial stage. By introducing ester bonds or aldehyde structures, implants can be hydrolyzed into non-toxic small molecules within 12-18 months, making them suitable for drug delivery carriers.

This green revolution not only reshapes the industrial chain of silicone rubber, but also promotes its expansion towards high-end applications. From bio based baby pacifiers to biodegradable medical catheters, silicone rubber is being integrated into daily life in a more environmentally friendly manner.

Regarding liquid silicone rubber, please refer to our website for details: IOTA Liquid Silicone Rubber