The Applications and Benefits of Using Silicone Foam and Solid Rubber
Silicone Rubber is a material that is manufactured out of cured, liquid synthetic rubber. The material is known for its wide range of operating temperatures, sealing and gasketing capabilities, UV and ozone resistance, and excellent compression set. There are two major global producers of silicone foam and solid rubber. Rogers Corporation’s Bisco® is the of the most widely used brand of silicone rubber. Norseal silicone products from St. Gobain is the other well-known brand.
What is Silicone Rubber?
BISCO and Norseal are similar types of silicone product categories known for their resistance to extreme temperatures, UV light, and mechanical fatigue. It also offers excellent compression set and creep resistance, making it a foam that is ideal for a variety of gasketing and sealing applications. Compliant with stringent UL flame ratings, it also makes a useful heat shield and flame barrier.
Applications for BISCO® & Norseal™ Foams and Solid Rubber
Cold chain storage and transportation
Cushioning
Flame barriers and thermal solutions
Gap filling
Gasketing and sealing
Hybrid Electric Vehicle battery enclosures
LCD gaskets
Shock absorption
Sound dampening
Spacers and bin liners
Vibration management
Wire and cable protection
There are four different categories of Silicone Rubbers.
Cellular Silicone Foams
Cellular silicone foams are certified for flame resistance and temperatures between -65°F to +400°F. They offer a wide compression force range and low compression set under high temperatures. This makes them ideal for sealing, cushioning, vibration management, and insulation applications. Their compact cell structure prevents particles from penetrating them, which is why the foam is so often used as a seal. Cellular silicone foams meet stringent UL-94 flame ratings and pass smoke and toxicity regulations.
Specialty Cellular Foams
Specialty cellular foams are specifically designed to be used with high performance substrates. They are capable of heat deflection and can be used in direct contact with a heat source, making them the ideal choice for thermal insulation and other applications where materials require flame retardant capabilities. They perform well in extreme temperatures without losing their durability.
Sponge Silicones
Sponge silicones are general purpose, durable foams that are used in rugged industrial environments. They are high performance closed-cell foams that meet BMS 1-23 and BMS 1-60 specifications.
Solid Silicones
Solid silicone foams make great gaskets for high temperature and high-pressure applications. They come in multiple thicknesses and durometers (range of 10 to 70) and are electrically conductive. This, combined with their dimensional stability and tear strength, makes them ideal for applications that involve sound reduction and absorption. They also offer tight tolerances and softness, allowing them to be used in tight sealing applications. Oftentimes, solid silicone products can meet FDA 21 CFR 177.2600 in food contact areas.
Customizing Silicone Foams
Silicone foams like BISCO and Norseal are available with and without pressure sensitive adhesive. They can be in slit tapes and can be customized into die-cut parts for a large variety of applications like gasketing and sealing applications. At Engineered Materials, we specialize in finding the right silicone materials for your application, and we’ll help you customize a part that fits every time. Whether you are looking for a flame-resistant silicone gasket or one that can withstand any harsh industrial condition, we can help you select the right material and customize it to work for you. Get in touch with us today to talk about your gasketing or sealing needs.