Silicone
Silicone rubber is a synthetic rubber material that is derived from the same basic backbone as sand and quartz. Through a series of chemical reactions these minerals are formed to basic silicone materials. By manipulating and blending these raw silicones and crosslinking during vulcanization, useful products can be formulated including compounds beneficial for the roller covering industry. Silicone is literally “rubber from rock”.
Properties
Beneficial properties are excellent performance at higher temperatures and very good release characteristics. Deficiencies include limited abrasion and tear resistance. Silicone is often blended with other materials including Hypalon and EPDM to improve its toughness while losing little of its beneficial properties. When used correctly, silicone is an excellent material for custom molded parts as well as roller coverings.
This high heat tolerance and good release characteristic make silicone the right choice for many laminating and coating operations.
Ask us if silicone is the right material for your application and budget.
Silicone vs. Nitrile Properties
(5) = EXCELLENT (4) = ABOVE AVERAGE (3) = AVERAGE (2) = FAIR (1) = POOR
Rubber Compound |
Nitrile | Silicone | EPDM/Silicone Blends |
| BN | SI | EP/SIL | |
| Physical Properties | |||
| Hardness Range Shore A | 20-95 | 40-90 | 40-95 |
| Hardness Range P&J | 0-200 | 25-185 | 10-140 |
| Abrasion Resistance | 3 | 1 | 3 |
| Tear Resistance | 3 | 1 | 2 |
| Load Bearing | 4 | 1 | 2 |
| Hysteresis | 2 | 5 | 3 |
| Resistance to Denting | 3 | 5 | 3 |
| Maximum Service Temperature (C/F) | 121/250 | 260/500 | 185/365 |
| Ozone Resistance | 1 | 5 | 5 |
| Resiliency | 3 | 1 | 4 |
| Solvent Resistance | |||
| Acids | 2 | 4 | 4 |
| Caustics | 3 | 4 | 4 |
| Paraffinic Hydrocarbons | 5 | 2 | 1 |
| Aromatic Hydrocarbons | 3 | 3 | 2 |
| Chlorinated Hydrocarbons | 1 | 3 | 2 |
| Water | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| Ketones | 2 | 3 | 5 |
| Alcohols | 5 | 4 | 4 |
| Esters | 1 | 3 | 3 |
| Recommended Applications | |||
| Coating/Varnishing | ● | ||
| Embossing | ● | ● | |
| Flexography | ● | ||
| Laminating | ● | ● | ● |
| Laser Engraving | |||
| Metal Decorating | ● | ||
| Offset Printing | |||
| Paper Making Industry | ● | ||
| Plastics | ● | ● | |
| Plate Processors | ● | ||
| Steel Mill Rollers | ● | ||
| Textile Rollers | |||
| Wood Industry | ● | ● | ● |
