Yes, silicone can be engineered to change colour in response to temperature changes by incorporating thermochromic pigments. These special additives react to heat, making them ideal for temperature-sensitive applications.
HTV stands for High Temperature Vulcanisation.
This refers to a curing process where silicone is hardened using heat. HTV silicone is typically supplied in a thick, putty-like form and is processed using moulds or extruders to achieve the desired shape and properties.
RTV stands for Room Temperature Vulcanisation.
This term refers to silicone materials that cure (or harden) at room temperature. RTV silicones are typically supplied in a liquid or semi-liquid form, making them ideal for moulding, sealing, and casting applications without the need for heat.
Silicone rubber is not naturally flame-retardant, but it can be formulated to offer excellent fire resistance. Thanks to its adaptability and strong biomedical properties, modified silicone is widely used in fire-protective clothing and other safety-critical applications.
Curing and vulcanisation both refer to the same process.
The transformation of a polymer into a cross-linked rubber. These terms are often used interchangeably in rubber manufacturing to describe how the material hardens and gains its final elastic properties.
No, density measures the weight of a material, while hardness measures how easily it can be compressed or deformed.
Closed cell materials have a sealed structure that prevents air, dust, moisture, and water from passing through. They offer excellent thermal sealing and are ideal for hygienic applications, as they help prevent the build-up of bacteria and mould. However, they do not recover as well after compression. Open cell materials, on the other hand, allow air and moisture to pass through, but they offer superior recovery after compression. This makes them suitable for cushioning and applications where flexibility is key.
Neoprene is designed to resist swelling and degradation when exposed to certain oils and chemicals, making it ideal for industrial environments involving lubricants or solvents. EPDM, on the other hand, offers excellent resistance to outdoor conditions—such as UV light, ozone, and weathering—making it a preferred choice for external seals and gaskets. A Neoprene/EPDM blend is also available, combining aspects of both polymers. While it has lower resistance to oil, UV, and ozone compared to the pure forms, it remains flame-retardant and suitable for specific applications where fire safety is a priority.
Density is the weight of the material normally expressed in terms of kilos per cubic metre.
Rubber compounds are typically thermoset materials. Once the material has cross-linked, it cannot be easily depolymerised by heat, as with thermoplastic materials.
FPM and FKM refer to the same material—fluoro rubber. The difference lies in the naming conventions:
Both terms describe high-performance fluoroelastomers known for their excellent chemical and heat resistance.
Fluoroelastomers are high-performance synthetic rubber materials engineered to withstand extreme environments, especially those involving aggressive chemicals and elevated temperatures. They are commonly known by the trade name Viton™, originally developed in the 1950’s by DuPont Performance Elastomers.
Not exactly. Viton™ is a registered trademark of Chemours. Alternative manufacturers of fluoroelastomer compounds include Dyneon, Solvay, and Daikin.
These materials are based on polymers that feature strong fluorine-to-carbon bonds and a high fluorine-to-hydrogen ratio. This unique chemical structure gives fluoroelastomers exceptional resistance to heat, chemicals, and swelling.
Most fluoroelastomer compounds can operate continuously at temperatures up to 204°C and intermittently up to 300°C, making them ideal for demanding industrial applications.
All rubber components, such as sheetings, gaskets, mouldings, and extrusions, should be stored in accordance with the international standard BS ISO 2230:2002 – Guidelines for the storage of rubber products. This specification outlines best practices for the inspection, documentation, packaging, and storage of vulcanised and thermoplastic rubber items before they are put into use.
It applies to both solid and cellular rubber made from natural or synthetic materials. We strongly recommend following this standard to ensure product integrity and longevity during storage.
Silicone rubber, whether cured or uncured, is not classified as hazardous waste. It can be safely disposed of in accordance with your local waste disposal regulations. Always check with your local authority to ensure compliance with regional guidelines.