Silicone rubber is a highly versatile material with countless applications. It commonly comes in two forms: liquid and solid.
Liquid silicone rubber (LSR) is the most widely used form of silicone. It is a two-part material with a base material and a catalyst. When the two parts are mixed together and exposed to heat, they cure and form a flexible, high-tear rubber material. This form of silicone is often used for injection moulding, due to its ability to form complex parts with precise details and tight tolerances. It is also flame-resistant, non-toxic, and UV resistant. One of the main drawbacks of liquid silicone is that it is quite expensive, making it cost-prohibitive for large parts.
Solid silicone rubber (HCR) is a combination of silicone, fillers and stabilizers. It can be either thermoplastic or thermoset, depending on the type of filler used. Thermoset forms are cured at high temperatures and can offer better mechanical properties, while thermoplastics can be injection-moulded and often cost less. SSR is often used in automotive, medical and home applications, as it offers superior heat and flame resistance, UV and ozone resistance, and electrical insulation. SSR is also able to achieve higher levels of surface detail than LSR, although it generally has a lower tear strength and tensile strength.
To sum up, LSR and HCR have many advantages and disadvantages that need to be taken into account when selecting a form of silicone rubber for a particular application. Liquid silicone is more expensive than solid silicone, but it can achieve better surface details and higher levels of precision and accuracy. Solid silicone is more cost-effective than liquid silicone and is suitable for some thermal applications. Both forms of silicone can be used in a variety of applications, and the selection of a particular form of silicone rubber should be made based on the application and material requirements.