How many kinds of catalyst for the liquid silicone rubber

Liquid silicone curing agent, also known as catalyst, plays a key role in the curing process of liquid silicone.
1. Working principle
Liquid silicone is generally composed of base polymer (polysiloxane), filler, pigment, etc. After adding curing agent, the curing agent reacts chemically with certain components in liquid silicone to transform liquid silicone from liquid to solid. Usually, the curing agent triggers a cross-linking reaction between silicone molecules to form a three-dimensional network structure, thereby achieving curing.
2. Types
Platinum catalyst:
This is a highly efficient curing agent, commonly used in medical, food contact and high-end electronics fields with extremely high purity requirements. It has the advantages of fast curing speed, high reactivity, and rapid curing at room temperature. At the same time, silicone products cured by platinum catalyst have good physical properties and chemical stability, are non-toxic and tasteless, and have excellent aging resistance.
The disadvantage is that the cost is high.
Peroxide catalyst:
Peroxide catalyst is a relatively common liquid silicone curing agent suitable for general industrial applications. It has the advantages of relatively low price and stable curing effect. Peroxide catalysts usually need to be at a certain temperature to achieve the best curing effect, so the temperature needs to be controlled during use.
The disadvantage is that by-products may be produced during the curing process, which will have a certain impact on the performance of silicone products, and there may be potential health and safety risks in some applications.
3. Precautions for use
Accurate measurement: The amount of curing agent used has a great influence on the curing speed and performance of liquid silicone after curing. Generally speaking, the amount of curing agent added needs to be accurately measured according to factors such as the type of liquid silicone, usage requirements and production process. Too little curing agent may lead to incomplete curing and affect the performance of the product; too much curing agent may make the curing speed too fast, generate too much heat, and even cause defects in the product.
Even mixing: After adding the curing agent, the liquid silicone needs to be fully stirred to ensure that the curing agent and silicone are evenly mixed. Uneven mixing may cause incomplete local curing or inconsistent curing speed, affecting the quality of the product.
Storage conditions: Curing agents usually need to be stored under specific conditions to maintain their activity. Generally speaking, curing agents should be stored in a cool, dry, well-ventilated place, away from fire and heat sources. At the same time, avoid contact between the curing agent and moisture, air, etc., so as not to affect its performance.
Safety protection: Some curing agents may be irritating or toxic. Appropriate safety protection measures should be taken during use, such as wearing gloves, masks, goggles, etc. Avoid contact of curing agents with skin, eyes and respiratory tract to avoid adverse reactions such as allergies or poisoning.