Why Select LSR (Liquid Silicone Rubber)?
Once we select the most suitable material to manufacture critical silicone parts and components, LSR is the most common material. LSR is the primary silicone material in Miwo LSR Molding Company. There is no better manufacturer for your production requirement, Miwo is the most experienced LSR manufacturer in worldwide.
LSR has unique characteristics and chemical properties, this make it an ideal material for application in different industry verticals.
Chemical Composition of Silicone Rubber
Silicone rubber has unique physical properties in reason of its chemical structure, it consists of a molecular chain of siloxane bond (-Si-O-Si-). This is the backbone of silicone rubber, a variety of organic chemical groups can be added on. In order to create different mechanical and material characteristics.
It has the main difference from other elastomer by the siloxane bond strength. Carbon bonds have binding energy of 355 kJ/mol, while the strength of siloxane bond reach to 433 kJ/mol. Therefore, the high bond strength give rise to higher heat resistance, chemical stability, and electrical insulation of silicone rubber. Meanwhile, silicone bonds also have low inter-molecular force, which allows other chemical groups can rotate freely. This chemical feature encourages liquid silicone rubber to obtain properties like high elasticity and compressibility, good water repellence and release-ability.
Mechanical Properties of LSR
Various grade of liquid silicone rubber provide different material properties. Its versatility makes LSR popular in many diverse applications. Not only medical-grade or food-grade products with superior bacteria resistance, but also automotive components can withstand excessive heat and vibration. In conclusion, liquid silicone has excellent mechanical properties to satisfy any requirement.
There are key mechanical properties of liquid silicone rubber. Such as: fast curing, low compression set, resistance to tearing, heat, water and oil, transparency and electrical conductivity, overall strength and long life. Overall, LSR is applied in temperature between -60℃ and 250℃, exposed to wind, rain and UV light for extended periods of time, or immersed in water, oil or solvents. Various grades of LSR materials can stand up even the most demanding applications.
What is LSR Used for ?
The most common application for liquid silicone rubber is LSR components production, LSR parts are applied widely in various industries. Firstly, their steam resistance and low compression set is perfect for gaskets and hardware in consumer appliances like microwaves. Secondly, their conductivity and fatigue resistance is ideal for electronic interfaces on touchpads or keyboards. Thirdly, their air and water tightness is suitable for waterproof components in mobile-phones and headphones. Finally, their oil and heat resistance provides long-term durability for automotive components.
LSR Parts Properties
LSR unique chemical structure give rise to its specific material properties. Its backbone of siloxane bonds are stronger and more stable than carbon bonds. Therefore, this provides liquid silicone rubber products with excellent properties as following:
- Extended temperature rage performance: Liquid silicone parts have a wide range of temperature. They won’t melt or elongate at high temperatures, and also remain flexible at temperature as low as -40℃. Moreover, high thermal stability encourage LSR products suitable for heavy-duty applications in extreme harsh environment.
- Chemical stability: LSR products are chemical inert. They are hypoallergenic bio-compatible, and bacteria resistance. This encourages them suitable for medical and healthcare application, even for permanent contact devices. However, LSR parts will degrade once exposed to highly acidic or basic environments, or certain organic compounds.
- Electrical resistance: LSR has high resistance to corona discharge on its own, this make it a suitable choice as insulator in high-voltage applications. Meanwhile, it is also able to add conductive materials with compromising other LSR parts properties, in order to make keyboard contact points and other electrical parts.
- Odorless and tasteless: All liquid silicone rubber parts are odorless and tasteless. Various unique colors and visual effects can be achieved by addition of pigment and mater-batches. In addition, LSR parts are also ozone and UV safe, this provides long-term cosmetic appearance in normal environment.
In addition, there are other notable features of liquid silicone rubber parts:
- Steam and humidity resistance
- Flame retardancy
- Low creep and compression set
- Vibration absorption
- Mildew and bacteria resistance
- UL component recognition
- Weatherability
Different variations of LSR are available for potential applications in a wide range of industries. Learn more about the specific properties of different liquid silicone rubber products, contact our engineering team now.
Liquid Silicone Rubber Applications
With all these excellent properties, you may wonder what exactly silicone rubber is used for. Liquid silicone rubber is a highly versatile material, so we discover and test its applications every day. It is the mainstay in healthcare manufacturing, medical products, automotive component manufacturing, electronics and consumer products, gasket and other hardware. Finally, the typical liquid silicone rubber products manufactured in Miwo include:
- Cellphone case
- Watch band/smart-wear band
- Catheter tubing
- Connectors
- Membranes
- Gasket, seals, O-rings
- Hand instruments
- Lighted buttons
- Pull rings
- Soft-touch buttons
- Steam-sterilized parts
- Syringe tips
- Valve components
Conclusion
In conclusion, Miwo has the most advanced manufacturing facilities in China. Therefore, we can assist our clients develop innovative solution to their silicone challenges. Liquid silicone rubber is not the right choice for every application. However, it is a excellent choice for applications you never considered. For specific information about material and application alternative, contact us directly for technical information.
