Silicone rubber sheeting is considered a superhero in the world of rubber sheets. From 3D print molds to body part implants- silicone sheeting is truly the future. They are flexible, durable, and highly resilient. But are you unsure if silicone rubber suits your requirements?
What are the possible drawbacks of using this product? Sit back and relax. After going through this blog, you will get to know all the pros and cons of using a silicone sheet.
What is Silicone Rubber Sheeting?
Silicone rubber is a synthetic elastomer made of a polymer containing silicon, oxygen, and hydrogen. Silicone stands out with its unique ability to stay flexible and stable near extreme temperatures. Unlike natural rubber sheets, ahigh temperature silicone rubber sheet does not warp, curl, melt, or get brittle.
Thus, silicone sheeting is popular in the automotive, healthcare, food processing, and electronics industries.
6 Pros (Advantages) of Using Silicone Rubber Sheeting
If you are wondering about the advantages of using a silicone sheet, here is what top silicone sheet suppliers say:
High-Temperature Resistance
One of the standout features of silicone rubber is- that it can withstand temperatures between -50 to +250- degrees Celsius. This makes them an ideal material for applications that involve high-heat environments, such as ovens, furnaces, or automotive parts. Additionally, they make good seals and gaskets for cars, rockets, etc.
Gaskets can be made of other rubber sheet types too like an EPDM or neoprene.
Duratuf Silicone rubber sheet in UAE are used in the top companies.
Electrical Insulation
Believe it or not, silicone rubber has electrical insulation properties. Their dielectric strength makes them a perfect component for electric cables and wires. Nevertheless, silicone rubber sheeting is not a protective equipment and not a substitute for electrical insulating mats.
Chemical Resistance
Silicone rubber sheeting has superior resistance against many chemicals like corrosive acids and alkalis. Hence, they are used in chemical processing plants.
Why are silicone sheeting chemical resistant?
Silicone bonds are stronger than the carbon bonds found in natural rubber sheets. They have a low surface energy and non-reactive structure as well.
Non-Toxic and Food-Grade Availability
You cannot use any rubber sheet in preparing, processing, or handling food items. The fillers and oils in general-use rubber sheets can produce toxic effects if they come in direct contact with food. However, silicone rubber sheeting can be certified as FDA-approved.
Food-grade silicone rubber sheets are non-toxic. They are safe for use in applications that involve direct contact with food. Besides, silicone rubber sheeting does not have any harmful reactions to the organic acids and solvents in food.
Low Compression Set
Low compression set in silicone rubber sheeting highlights their flexibility. Owing to this property, silicone rubber can maintain its shape and elasticity even after being subjected to compressive forces for extended periods.
Weather, UV, and Ozone Resistance
Similar to EPDM rubber sheets, silicone rubber does not degrade or become brittle when exposed to sunlight for long periods. They are UV and Ozone-resistant.
Thus, they are used to make:
- Outdoor seals and gaskets
- Roofing materials (in some cases)
- Window and door seals.
5 Cons (Disadvantages) of Using Silicone Sheeting
Silicone rubber sheets also have some disadvantages, which are:
Low Tensile Strength and Tear Resistance
Silicone rubber has lesser tensile strength than the EPDM and neoprene rubber, the other two popular rubber sheet types. You should not use silicone rubber in an application where there is a significant amount of mechanical stress involved. For example, manufacturing of industrial labels or solar cells.
They are not ideal for use in environments with heavy wear and tear. Silicone rubber is also prone to tearing under high tension or sharp edges.
Higher Cost
Silicone rubber is more expensive than natural rubber, neoprene, and even nitrile. The steep cost makes them unattractive for a lot of buyers. Nonetheless, at Duratuf, you get economy-grade silicone rubber sheets which are good for everyday use. Additionally, you will get bulk purchase discounts.
Limited abrasion resistance
Having a low abrasion resistance, silicone rubber sheeting is not versatile. They cannot be used as conveyor belt covers or other parts where there is high abrasion. If you still use silicone rubber in such applications, the replacement costs will be frequent.
Poor adhesion properties
Silicone rubber can be challenging to bond with other materials, as its surface is naturally non-adhesive. Specialized adhesives or surface treatments are often required to create a strong bond, which can add complexity and cost to the manufacturing process.
Swelling near hydrocarbons
Conclusion
Should you go for Silicone rubber then?
Silicone rubber is not a one-size-fits-all product. Although they have a wide range of benefits, they do have some limitations as well. Thus, to make your business consistently productive with minimum downtime, you will have tobuy the right silicone sheet to understand your true needs.
For industries that demand high heat resistance, electrical insulation, or outdoor durability, silicone rubber sheets are an excellent choice- provided you buy a quality-certified product.
Whether you need product selection guidance or the best silicone sheet price, you can talk to us. We are always ready and happy to help!
