The production of silicone rubber is a comprehensive technology that combines chemical synthesis and precision technology. Its core lies in the construction of elastic materials with excellent properties through the polymerization and crosslinking reactions of organic silicon monomers. This process begins with high-quality organic silicon raw materials, such as octamethylcyclotetrasiloxane or vinyl terminated polydimethylsiloxane, which undergo ring opening polymerization or condensation reactions under the action of specific catalysts to form siloxane prepolymers with linear structures. These prepolymer molecular chains are rich in active groups such as vinyl or silane groups, providing a chemical basis for subsequent crosslinking reactions.

In the crosslinking stage, hydrogen containing silicone oil serves as a key crosslinking agent. Under the catalysis of platinum catalyst, the Si-H bonds in its molecules undergo hydrosilylation reaction with the vinyl groups in the prepolymer, generating stable Si-C bonds and releasing hydrogen gas. This reaction not only constructs a three-dimensional cross-linked network structure, but also endows silicone rubber with unique elasticity and heat resistance. In terms of process control, the molar ratio of silanol to vinyl needs to be precisely controlled within the range of 1.2 to 1.5 to 1 to ensure moderate crosslinking density - a low ratio can lead to insufficient crosslinking and make the material sticky; If the ratio is too high, it may trigger self aggregation reaction, producing bubbles that affect performance.

The performance characteristics of silicone rubber are extremely outstanding. Its high temperature resistance can withstand extreme temperature environments, with a flash point of over 82 ° F, and it is not easy to decompose, making it suitable for high-temperature vulcanization scenarios; Weather resistance and waterproofness are achieved through the formation of a dense waterproof film on the surface, endowing the material with excellent moisture, mold, and rust resistance capabilities; Elasticity and flexibility stem from its unique molecular structure, which enables silicone rubber to quickly recover to its original state after being subjected to force. In addition, by adjusting the molecular weight and crosslinking density, precise viscosity control can be achieved to meet the fluidity requirements of different scenarios, from electronic sealing adhesives to building waterproofing agents.

In the application field, silicone rubber exhibits a wide range of adaptability. Additive liquid silicone rubber (LSR) has become the preferred material for medical grade catheters and electronic component packaging due to its high tensile strength and heat resistance; High temperature blended silicone rubber (HTV) improves processing performance and prevents yellowing by adding anti yellowing agents and coupling agents, and is widely used in automotive seals and industrial products. In the textile and leather fields, the softening and hydrophobic properties of silicone rubber are utilized to enhance the wrinkle resistance, waterproofing, leather glossiness, and wear resistance of fabrics. The expansion of these application scenarios not only reflects the core value of silicone rubber in materials science, but also highlights its irreplaceability in modern industry.

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