silicone rubber
Quick Summary
Silicone rubber is an elastomer made from silicone, which is a diverse class of fluids, resins, or elastomers based on polymerized siloxanes. These substances have molecules composed of alternating silicon and oxygen atoms. Unlike most industrial polymers, silicones lack carbon in their molecular backbones, making them unusual "inorganic" polymers, though they typically have organic groups attached to the silicon atoms.12
Key properties of silicone rubber include:
* Temperature Stability: It retains flexibility and resilience over a wide temperature range.31
* Chemical Inertness: It resists water and oxidation.12
* Flexibility: The siloxane molecules rotate freely, contributing to the material's flexibility.12
These characteristics lead to various applications, such as O-rings, seals, gaskets, electrical insulators, and surgical implants. Silicone rubber was first noted in 1944.123
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