Flame Retardent Silicone, Flame Retardant EPDM and other Section 12 Compliant Products
INTRODUCTION
Silicone rubber is a synthetic elastomer, which, whilst having the resilience and elasticity associated with natural
and other synthetic rubbers, possesses the outstanding ability to retain these properties over a wide temperature
range and approvals UL 94VO.
It differs from normal organic rubbers in that a silicone-oxygen chain top, which these properties must be attributed, has replaced the carbon skeleton.
GENERAL PROPERTIES
1. Resistance to Temperature Extremes
The thermal stability of rubber is probably its most important asset. Components made from these rubbers are
affected only to a small extent by extremes of temperature, ranging from –90ºC to +250ºC. Even at temperatures
as high as +300ºC silicone rubber will operate for limited periods.
2. Electrical Properties
Silicone rubber is an excellent electrical insulating material. Resistance to arching, corona, ultra-violet light
and ozone is good. It decomposes at 400ºC to 500ºC leaving an inert, non-flammable and electrically non-conductive
residue – thus silicone rubber insulated cables (for example) continue to function even when the silicone rubber
has been completely destroyed by fire.
3. Release Characteristics
Silicone rubbers possess valuable “non-stick” properties.
4. Chemical Inertness
The absence of taste, smell or physiological effects, together with a high resistance to oxidation, weathering
and many chemicals, are typical characteristics of silicone rubber.
5. Water Repellence
Silicone rubber is highly water-repellent and is almost unaffected by wet and humid conditions.
APPLICATIONS
Among the many uses of silicone rubber in industry are the following:
Electrical insulation and identification sleeving
Insulated wire and cable
Seals and gaskets in domestic cookers, refrigerators, washing machines, steam irons and immersion heaters
Tubing and other components for medical, surgical and pharmaceutical uses
Door, window and panel seals in industrial ovens and drying plant
Flexible moulds for the food and confectionery industries
Airframe, bulkhead, hatch cover and panel seals in the aircraft industry
Gaskets, window and panel seals for use throughout the construction industry.
TOLERANCES – SOLID MATERIAL
Normal dimensional tolerances are shown in the table below but these should be taken as a general guide only.
Where the extrusion is unusually large or complex its actual physical shape may of itself cause an interaction
on dimensional tolerances. Please consult Ronfell Group if dimensional tolerances are critical.
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