Liquid Silicone Rubber (LSR)
Liquid Silicone Rubber (LSR) has a unique chemical structure, which gives it specific material properties. Its backbone is formed by a series of siloxane bonds which, compared to carbon bonds, are stronger and more stable.
Typical Applications
- Respiratory products – masks
- Earbuds
- Hearing aids
- Wearable products
- Gaskets, seals and O rings
- Steam sterilised parts
Advantages
Disadvantages
Properties
Resistance
Advantages
- Superior compatibility with human tissue and body fluids
- Excellent chemical resistance
- Suitable for high-volume production
- Excellent mechanical characteristics, including good elongation, excellent tear strength, high tensile strength, and a wide hardness range (5-80 Shore A)
- Short cycle time compared to compression moulding
- Resistance to bacteria growth
- LSR suitable for medical and healthcare products because it can be sterilised
- Adheres to rigorous FDA guidelines
- Excellent resistance to high temperatures
- Suitable for complex and high precision parts
- High tear and tensile strength
Disadvantages
- Cannot be recycled
- High production time and cost
- ‘Sticky’ feel if untreated making them attract dust and other particles
- Limited grades
Properties
| Available hardness range (Shore A) | 5 – 80 |
| Temperature resistance | -55 to +210°C |
| Tensile Strength (up to) | 9.2 N/mm2 |
| Elongation at Break | 390% |
| Chemically inert | |
| Hypoallergenic | |
| Non Toxic |
Resistance
| Water | Good |
| Oxidation | Good |
| UV Rays | High |
| Ozone | High |
| Radiation | High |
