silicone vs neoprene rubberSilicone rubber is an extremely versatile material with one of the widest temperature ranges for elastomers, making it an ideal choice for use in applications across many industries. It exhibits excellent compression set and is a go-to material for those seeking excellent weather resistance such as ozone, oxygen, and moisture.

Silicone rubber is often used in window and door seals, appliances, electronics and weather seals. Due to its temperature, range it is also used in high voltage insulation, outdoor cable protection, HVAC drains, electronics and fluid transfer as well as many custom applications. Silicone rubber is not a strong choice for flame resistance or in exposure to oil, but has excellent aging properties in sunlight and good adhesion to metals.

Silicone is available from Vip Rubber and Plastic in extruded form as well as molded and in sheet.

Characteristics of Silicone

Silicone is ASTM D-2000 Classification FC, FE, GE and is known by its chemical definition of Polysiloxane

  • Tensile Strength: 200-1500 P.S.I.
  • Elongation 700% Maximum
  • Heat Aging Resistance – Excellent
  • Abrasion Resistance – Poor
  • Compression Set Resistance – Excellent
  • Tear Resistance – Fair
  • Flame Resistance – Poor
  • Weather Resistance – Excellent
  • Ozone Resistance – Excellent
  • Gas Permeability Resistance – Poor
  • Oil Resistance – Fair
  • Standard Temperature Range: -100° to +450°F
  • Hardness (Shore A): 25 to 80

Uses for Silicone

We offer a wide range of custom services for Silicone

  • Printing on Parts
  • Splicing
  • Pole Curing
  • Cut-to-Length
  • Fabricated Coated Extrusion/Mold
  • Fabric Reinforced Sheet
  • Co-extrusions
  • PSA Application
  • Custom Compounding
  • Custom Dies
  • Custom and Standard Shapes

Industries

With strong weather resistance and aging due to sunlight exposure Silicone is an excellent choice for use within the Aircraft, Aerospace, Military, and Automotive industries. Other industries using Silicone include Architecture (including Curtain Wall), Railcars, Food Service Healthcare, and Retail.