Silicone rubber, a polymeric material with an alternating silicon-oxygen backbone and organic side groups, boasts a wide range of applications due to its diverse classification and sophisticated production processes.

Classification:
Thermosetting Silicone Rubber (HTV): Mainly used for manufacturing silicone rubber products, it requires high-temperature vulcanization (110-170°C) to achieve elasticity. Subtypes include methyl silicone rubber (MQ), methyl vinyl silicone rubber (VMQ, the most widely used), and methyl vinyl phenyl silicone rubber (PVMQ) with enhanced low-temperature and radiation resistance.

Room-Temperature Vulcanizing Silicone Rubber (RTV): Available in both one-component and two-component forms, RTV silicone rubber cures at room temperature or with slight heating. It is often used as an adhesive, potting material, or mold release agent.
Production Processes:

The production of silicone rubber typically involves two main steps: polymerization and vulcanization.

Polymerization: Silicone rubber is synthesized through either base-catalyzed or acid-catalyzed polycondensation of silanes, such as dimethyldichlorosilane. The most common catalysts include KOH and temporary catalysts like (CH3)4NOH.

Vulcanization: This step involves cross-linking the polymer chains to form an elastic material. For HTV silicone rubber, high temperatures and pressures are applied with reinforcing fillers and vulcanizing agents. RTV silicone rubber, on the other hand, cures at room temperature or slightly elevated temperatures with the help of crosslinking agents and catalysts.

The versatility of silicone rubber stems from its ability to be tailored through various formulations and processing techniques, ensuring its suitability for a wide range of applications from industrial seals to medical implants.

General Purpose Fumed Extrusion Silicone Rubber