Silicone Elastomers in the Market Today
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Manufacturers in the automotive, aerospace, consumer electronics, medical and cosmeceutical industries need business partners with acumen and a clear focus on their needs. Silicone elastomers from Polymer Science are versatile materials that meet the needs of a number of industries.
Polymer Science provides silicone elastomers in sheet or roll form to manufacturers who require reliable, high-performance materials. We take pride in our custom solutions, which enable us to work quickly to provide the solutions for your specific needs. Our team of engineers and technical staff, equipped with state-of-the-art equipment, can develop a quality product that meets your application requirements. With our support, your projects and processes can move from conception to production expeditiously. Most importantly, our wide range of products will meet the needs of your application.
Silicone Elastomers
Silicone elastomers are a type of polymer that offer excellent physical and mechanical properties. Polymer Science elastomers are particularly versatile, and their properties can be manipulated to suit a variety of applications. Our company offers a complete line of silicone elastomer products that cater to the unique needs of various industries.
- Medical and cosmeceutical industries. Silicone elastomers offer biocompatibility and flexibility, making them an excellent choice for medical devices, prosthetics, and implants.
- Electronics industries. They are commonly used for electrical insulation and heat resistance properties across a wide range of consumer electronics.
- Automotive and aerospace industries. Silicone elastomers are ideal for their resistance to temperature extremes, weathering and oxidation.
Attributes of Polymer Science Elastomers
Polymer Science’s silicone elastomers offer unique attributes to suit the needs of your application. We also offer customization to meet your specific needs. Generally, the elastomers provide:
- Low haze and excellent clarity – Providing outstanding transparency and visibility for optical and lighting applications.
- Chemical resistance – Elastomers are suitable for use in harsh environments where exposure to chemicals is likely.
- High useful temperature range – When you need materials to withstand temperature extremes without losing their physical or mechanical properties, Polymer Science elastomers are a high-performance material.
- Available in a variety of durometers – Additionally, our silicone elastomers are available in a range of hardnesses.
Advantages of Working with Polymer Science
With Polymer Science’s elastomers, you can be assured of high-quality, reliable, and customizable materials that can meet the needs of multiple industries. Our excellent in-house and field technical support focuses on being an informative and helpful partner to manufacturers.
While we take pride in our knowledge and expertise, Polymer Science offers a number of other key advantages:
- Lower minimum order quantity – We understand that different clients have different needs, which is why we offer lower minimum order quantities, allowing manufacturers to purchase the amount of material they need without having to order excessive amounts.
- Waste reduction – Additionally, we offer customization of width, which means that manufacturers can get the exact size they require for their application, reducing material waste and costs.
- Construction options – Our standard and customized construction options provide further flexibility, enabling manufacturers to choose the construction that suits their needs.
- Short lead times – Manufacturers can expect their orders to be fulfilled quickly and efficiently, allowing you to focus on your core business activities.
- Eco-friendly facility – Our facility is eco-friendly, meaning that we are committed to reducing our carbon footprint and minimizing our impact on the environment. We use sustainable materials and production processes wherever possible, ensuring that our products are not only of high quality but also environmentally responsible.
Custom Solutions
Our design team works quickly to provide the solutions you need, allowing your project to expeditiously move from conception to production. Our diverse team of engineers and technical staff, along with our state-of-the-art equipment, provide the capabilities to develop a quality product consistent with your application requirements.
Physical and Mechanical Properties of Elastomers
The qualities of silicone elastomers offer several advantages. There are many products within the group with varying properties, but generally, silicone elastomers are valued for 5 fundamental physical and mechanical properties:
- Tackiness – which means that they resist sliding on various other materials such as metals, plastics, and fibers. This property makes them useful for applications where grip or non-slip qualities are required.
- Insulation – Silicone elastomers are good insulators of electricity, which makes them ideal for protecting electrical components from damage, moisture and other outside forces.
- Permeability – Silicone elastomers tend to resist the passage of water, fluids, air, gases, and steam, making them an excellent choice for applications where permeability is a concern.
- Tear resistance – A high tear resistance helps with durability and stressful environments.
- Abrasion resistance – Withstanding wear and tear and maintaining physical and mechanical properties over time adds to their appeal.
Industries Served
The versatility and durability of silicone elastomers suit a number of industries including a few specific components within those industries.
Automotive
- Airbags – Silicone elastomers are commonly used in airbag applications due to their resistance to temperature extremes, weathering, and oxidation. They can withstand the rapid temperature change and chemical exposure of the airbag inflation process and ensure that the airbag functions correctly.
- High-Temperature Gaskets – Our silicone elastomers suit high-temperature components including engines, transmissions, and other automotive components. They can maintain their physical and mechanical properties at high temperatures and resist oil, fuel, and other automotive fluids.
- Vibration Dampeners – Silicone elastomers can effectively absorb and dampen vibrations. The various hardness helps reduce the noise, vibration, and harshness of different components, such as engine mounts and suspension bushings.
Aerospace
- Gaskets for Missiles – Silicone elastomers are commonly used in gaskets for missiles due to their resistance to temperature extremes, weathering, and oxidation. They can maintain their physical and mechanical properties in harsh environments and resist the effects of rocket exhaust and other aerospace fluids.
- Film-Reinforced Spacers – Silicone elastomers can be reinforced with film to create spacers for aerospace applications. The reinforced elastomers have excellent compressive properties and can withstand harsh environments.
Consumer Electronics
- Biometric Sensors – Flexible and biocompatible, silicone elastomers can be molded into different shapes and sizes, making them suitable for use in different types of sensors such as fingerprint sensors and heart rate monitors.
- Waterproof / Dustproof Cases Excellent sealing properties and permeability can keep water and dust out of the device. Chemical resistance and abrasion resistance help with durability.
- Lens and Camera Covers – Silicone elastomers provide excellent visibility and protect the camera or lens from scratches, dust, and other environmental factors. In addition, they can maintain their optical clarity over time, ensuring that the camera or lens performs optimally.
Medical and Cosmeceutical
- Scar Therapy – A non-invasive and atraumatic way to treat scars, silicone elastomers can help flatten and reduce the appearance of scars and can be easily molded to fit any shape or size.
- Sleep Apnea Gasket/Valve – Silicone elastomers can be die cut into any shape or size, making them ideal for use in different types of devices.
Contact Polymer Science
To learn more about how Polymer Science can benefit your industry with a wide selection of silicone elastomer products, contact our team. We are always eager to provide insight, expertise and consultation.