The synthetic elastomer silicone, like other synthetic rubbers, is engineered to have a number of beneficial properties. For example, it can retain its original shape in extreme temperatures and has a large operable temperature range. Traits like these make silicone suitable for a variety of specialized applications, especially industrially and commercially. The rubber’s commercial popularity can be attributed to its functionality; however, the ability to produce different silicone colors gives manufacturers the opportunity to customize products such as silicone sheets and other components with their own refreshing aesthetic and function. For instance, one of the primary uses for silicone rubber is as a gasket and seal component; these devices are important for heavy machinery and equipment to run smoothly; a product like this would likely wish to use black silicone, unless some sort of visual definition is necessary. However, this elastomer is also used to make much more familiar and common products such as electronic casings, cookware and children’s toys, and in these things, you might even see other colors of silicone: white, gray, red, and other vibrant colors.

Colored silicone sheets do not alter the physical, chemical or mechanical properties of the rubber—it would be damaging to the integrity of the material otherwise—as it is these properties that make it functional at all. However, as mentioned previously, the color can be used functionally in both commercial and industrial applications. Check out some of the functions of colorful silicone products:

• Medical devices: Silicone rubber is used in many medical instruments such as catheters, tubes for dialysis and blood transfusion and even heart valves. The elastomer has a low toxicity and does not expel any harmful byproducts, making it a nearly harmless material to use in or around the human body. As a secondary factor, silicone is used because it is available as a translucent sheet. This allows healthcare professionals to monitor substances traveling through the translucent silicone.
• Gaskets and Seals: The classic black silicone sheet of rubber is common to be used as a gasket or seal. Yet, colors like red or grey are also used with great effect. In complex mechanical systems, colored gaskets and seals can serve as a form of visual definition, an indicator of a point of connection.
• Food Processing and Preparation: This elastomer’s physiological inertness makes it suitable for food processing and preparation applications. A silicone white sheet allows food preparers to see any substances on the surface much easier than a dark-colored sheet would. A transparent rubber sheet works in a similar fashion by allowing the products on the surface of the rubber to be viewed more easily. Also, both colors of silicone can be used to immediately determine whether or not the surface is dirty or free of contaminants—especially important for food-related applications. Besides, the market expects to see the color white far more than red, black or other dark colors, hence silicone white sheets are used far more.
• Commercial Products: Cell phone and laptop cases take advantage of the customizable capabilities of silicone and can be cut or molded from a red, grey or black silicone sheet among other colors. Children’s toys like putty are made of VMQ and also are available in many colors.

Although a different hue can simply be refreshing, colored silicone sheets do actually serve a functional purpose. As evidenced above, the variations of silicone colors are a preferred, if not ideal, option for many applications. While black silicone is perhaps going to be the most suitable color for industrial applications, there are other color variations of silicone—white, gray, and red, to name a few—that are going to be desired for commercial products. Don’t judge a book by its cover, and consider the color of your rubber when planning your next project or application!