Silicone sponge is a highly favored material in the medical, pharmaceutical, manufacturing, and food processing industry. The silicone sponge sheet comes in different densities, thicknesses, and grades to suit the user’s requirements.
Here, we will be specifically looking at the silicone sponge features that make it a useful material in diverse industries.
Excellent Temperature Resistance
Silicone sponge can withstand extreme temperatures. It has a temperature range of -70°C to 260°C. The thermal stability of the silicone sponge is good, and it can stay flexible even at lower temperatures.
Hence it is used in environments with sub-zero temperatures or very high temperatures. Besides maintaining its flexibility, there is no change in the material’s physical and chemical properties at low or high temperatures.
Outstanding Compression Set Resistance
Compression set resistance refers to the material’s ability to return to its original thickness after compression load under a specific time, and the temperature is released.
Closed silicone sponge can return to its original thickness after being temporarily deformed due to its outstanding compression set resistance. It can withstand compression, stretching, and other types of deforming forces without ruining its natural shape.
Good Acoustic and Electrical Resistance
Due to its closed structure, the silicone sponge sheet provides good acoustic insulation from noise generated by engines. In a closed-cell material, cells are entirely closed by its walls and not connecting with other cells. This gives the silicone sponge excellent acoustic insulation properties.
Closed-cell silicone sponge is a non-conductive having a volume resistivity of 1 x 101. It offers excellent electrical resistance properties to the material.
Excellent Environmental Resistance Properties
Silicone sponge with its closed cell structure can resist environmental elements like ozone and UV rays. Silicone sponge with higher density has a higher proportion of closed cells compared to sponge with a medium of lower density grades.
When it comes to liquid absorption, the cell structure of the material plays an important role. The closed-cell structure does not allow moisture to pass through the sponge, thereby giving it excellent water-resistant properties.
Resistance to Mildew and Bacteria
The closed-cell structure of the silicone sponge also makes it 100% resistant to mildew and bacteria. Silicone sponge is manufactured using gum-based Polydimethylsiloxane (PMDS). During the manufacturing process, the heat curing process expands the silicone rubber and creates a silicone sponge shape.
It is similar to the breadmaking process where the addition of yeast to the bread causes it to rise, thereby creating air-cushioned cavities. In a closed-cell silicone sponge, every cell carries air in a finished and closed pocket. Humidity, water, dirt, and microorganisms cannot enter the cell structure.
Uses of Closed Cell Silicone Sponge
Sealants
Due to its extreme temperature resistance and water-repelling features, silicone sponge is used to seal different surfaces.
Protection Against Noise and Vibration
Companies install Silicone sponge sheets on the flooring and walls of their units to keep the engines rattling sounds and unbearable noise away from the production floor.
Due to its amazing features, the silicone sponge sheet is considered as a valuable engineering material. This versatile material can be fabricated in any shape and size to create products useful in our daily lives.
