When synthesized into rubber, silicone is an extremely applicable and useful elastomer. Initially, the chemists responsible for pioneering silicone did not foresee the synthetic elastomer as being anything more than a material that could coat glass cloth for electrical insulation. But, upon observing the performance of the material, major companies like Corning Glass and General Electric seized the opportunity to manufacture the new rubber in large quantities and purpose it towards industrial and commercial applications. For example, a large product such as sheet silicone is in itself extremely useful, as it can be cut and customized for a variety of projects and uses. Some of these silicone products include baby bottle nipples, automotive gaskets, cell phone covers, and medical devices, among many other items. While it took more than a decade and a half to develop and manufacture the elastomer, the end product was well worth the wait; the material was unmatched in many respects by other types of elastomers.

As a rubber, silicone was capable of being used in aeronautical vehicles to support the war effort in the first half of the twentieth century, and it even allowed the development of motors and generators that otherwise wouldn’t have been possible. The reason for this is that there are a number of properties that are unique to this synthetic elastomer, properties that made it suitable for these highly-specialized applications. But what are these properties, and what sorts of applications are the properties best suited for? Here is a brief overview of this information to help you gain some insight into this extremely important product:

• Operative in Extreme Temperatures: Silicone retains its physical integrity even in extreme temperatures (high or low), and has a large operable temperature range. This makes it excel industrially in intense temperature conditions without risk of being damaged beyond reuse.

• Compression Set: This elastomer has an excellent compression set and flexibility that is retained through both high and low temperatures. When the material needs to be pliable, no matter what temperatures or for what application, it can fulfill that task.

• Toxicity: The elastomer has a low toxicity, and almost no odor or taste. This is especially helpful in applications where the material could potentially be burned, meaning it is unlikely to give off toxic fumes. It is a safe and stable material to work with and operate around.

• Resistance to Nature: All kinds of elastomer-based silicone products possess an excellent resistance to oxidizing agents, ozone and UV rays. This being the case, they can be used for outdoor applications just as well as they can be used indoors.

• Operation in Water: It is water swell resistant, making it appropriate as a watertight seal. This harkens back to some of the earliest uses of rubber in history. Like its natural counterpart, silicone is great for waterproofing.

• Insulation: In all of its forms including rubber, silicone is an excellent electrical insulator. The ability to isolate and restrict electrical energy is a very important quality.

• Chemical Resistance: The elastomer is inert to chemicals and corrosive agents.

• Protection Against Combustion: The synthetic rubber is also available in a flame-retardant version. This makes it especially safe for extreme temperature industrial uses and applications. Make sure to inquire as to whether or not a particular kind of sheet silicone has this property.

As with many types of rubber, silicone is an easy material to work with; that is, the elastomer can be compounded with other materials to fulfill the requirements of particular applications. This adaptability in conjunction with silicone’s variety of physical and chemical properties fits the bill with an assortment of applications.

With the possible the exception of being the all-purpose neoprene, there isn’t a rubber that is ideal for any and every application. For example, silicone shouldn’t be used in applications involved in dynamic movements because it has poor tensile strength and low tear and abrasion resistance. Before you choose your rubber, ask yourself if sheet silicone or other silicone products are right for you.