The Characteristics of Silicone Rubber and the Automotive Industry's Demands for It

Rubber materials are widely used in automobiles, mainly for shock absorption, transmission sealing, supporting and other functions. There are dozens of types of rubber materials involved. Due to the excellent heat resistance, cold resistance, electrical insulation and other unique properties, silicone rubber is widely used in special products and parts, such as automotive electronics, sealing, shock absorption and hoses.

High-temperature resistance of auto silicone

Due to the multiple internal structures, compact spaces and good sealing of automobiles, heat dissipation is difficult. Areas like the engine compartment, disc brake system and exhaust system all have high-temperature sealed spaces, so the selection of rubber materials must consider their high-temperature resistance. Silicone rubber is a polysiloxane with a silicon-oxygen bond as the main chain, and its stable silicon-oxygen chemical structure determines that its outstanding feature is a wide temperature range. It can be used in a 300°C environment, and does not age under conditions above 200°C for a long period of use. Therefore, it is widely used in various sealing rings, seals, shock absorbers, and hangers for the engine compartment, turbocharging system, brake system and exhaust system.

Low-temperature resistance of auto silicone

Not only does silicone rubber have excellent high-temperature resistance, but it also has excellent low-temperature resistance. It can maintain certain strength and elasticity under -80°C.

Environmental requirements for auto silicone

Silicone rubber has the characteristics of odorless, non-toxic and non-corrosive. The automotive industry uses the environmental protection properties of auto silicone to produce products such as interior components, adhesives and sealants that can contact people.

Electrical performance of auto silicone

Silicone rubber has excellent electrical performance and its electrical performance is less affected by temperature. It is a high-performance and stable insulation material.

Decorative properties of auto silicone

Silicone rubber can be made into colorless and transparent products, and because of its good colorability, it can also be made into products with rich colors. Therefore, silicone rubber is the most decorative rubber. Moreover, silicone rubber can be made into products with various hardness levels, with a hardness range of Shore A 10-90. The products are soft, elastic, comfortable to the touch, and suitable for automotive interior decoration.

Weather resistance of auto silicone

Silicone rubber has good weather resistance, excellent ozone and UV resistance, and can be used in engine peripherals and components exposed to the air.

Strength of auto silicone

The mechanical properties of car rubber, such as tensile strength and tear strength, are relatively poor, and its physical and mechanical properties at room temperature are inferior to most synthetic rubbers, so silicone rubber is not suitable for manufacturing rubber parts subject to high stress.

Solvent resistance of auto silicone

Generally, silicone rubber has poor oil resistance and solvent resistance, and is not suitable for manufacturing rubber parts that come into contact with grease and solvents. However, specially synthesized silicone rubber and fluorosilicone rubber have certain oil resistance, but they are expensive and have limited applications.