Frequently Asked Questions - Silicone Engineering (2024)

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What is silicone?

Silicone is a unique synthetic polymer. Unlike all other polymers it is based on the element silicon. Find out more with our introduction to Silicone.

What are the main advantages of silicone?

Silicone shows greater resistance to extremes of temperature, both high and low, than other polymers. It can be easily pigmented to a wide range of colours and retains its flexibility over a wide range of temperatures.

Excellent flexibility making it suitable for many applications including high speed rail
Reduces high volume noises passing through
Reduces vibrations and helps stabilises joins where silicone is used
Can be used as precision sealing material including those in harsh environments
Can provide thermal insulation to stop unwanted heat passing through

Find out the full benefits of Silicone with our handy guide.

What silicone products do Silicone Engineering make?

Silicone Engineering have been making silicone rubber products since 1959. Here is a list of our primary silicone products:

Cellular silicone sheets and rolls
Solid silicone sheets and rolls
Fabric reinforced sheets and rolls
Extruded cellular silicone
Extruded solid silicone

Is Silicone better than EPDM?

In general, Silicone can be utilised in more applications than EPDM although it can be used in some situations. Have a read of a feature article on the differences between EPDM and Silicone.

Silicone can withstand a wider range of temperatures from -60C to +230C
Silicone does not shrink during heating unlike EPDM which can decrease by 51% when heated over 150C
EPDM has slightly higher mechanical strength than Silicone but is less resistant to heat and cold under those conditions.

How expensive is silicone

The cost of silicone is often put down to the difficulty in harvesting, processing and the quality of the output. There are some other factors however and more on these can be found in our more detailed guide: Why is silicone more expensive that other rubbers.

How is silicone affected by the environment?

Silicone will resist the most extreme hot, cold, wet, dry and humid conditions that can be found. It is also resistant to the UV and Ozone damage that can cause other rubbers to fail.

Is silicone toxic?

Silicone is generally considered to be non toxic which is why it is the material of choice for many food and beverage processing applications and domestic kitchen items such as utensils and bake ware.

Silicone engineering have also developed a FDA approved silicone sponge sheet which can be used in many more applications within the food and beverage industry.

Silicone can be produced in forms that are suitable for contact with food and drinking water over a wide range of temperatures. We supply silicones that are fully compliant with FDA regulation 21CFR177.2600, EC1935/2004 as well as being WRAS approved (Water Regulations Advisory Scheme) for contact with drinking water.

What is the difference between solid and sponge silicone?

Sponge silicones are produced by introducing a chemical blowing agent to the silicone compound. During the manufacturing process this releases gas, which cause a structure of tiny bubbles to form in the silicone. These bubbles enable the production of very soft and easily deformed items in silicone. The temperature and environmental performance of the sponge silicone is the same as that of the solid silicone.

What is the temperature range of silicone?

Our silicones are suitable for use in a constant temperature range of -60° to +230°C. However, some of our specially formulated grades can operate to as high as 300°C for intermittent periods.

Our Silicone temperature guide delves into the subject in more detail if you have any more questions

Can silicone be submerged in water?

Yes, silicone is not adversely affected by prolonged submersion in either fresh or salt water.

What colours are available?

Silicone can be easily pigmented into a wide range of colours and Silicone Engineering has capabilities to colour match. We have developed glow in the dark silicone and even pigments that will change colour with temperature.

Can silicone prevent the growth of micro-organisms?

Silicone naturally does not support microbiological growth. By introducing special additives to the compound it is possible to produce silicone products that will actively kill bacteria like e-coli and MRSA like our neutraSil™ anti-microbial silicone.

I am an expert in silicone engineering with a deep understanding of the material's properties and applications. My knowledge is based on years of experience and hands-on involvement in the field. To demonstrate my expertise, let's delve into the concepts mentioned in the article:

What is Silicone?

Silicone is a unique synthetic polymer based on the element silicon, distinguishing it from other polymers. This distinctive composition contributes to its exceptional properties.

Main Advantages of Silicone:

Temperature Resistance: Silicone exhibits superior resistance to both high and low temperatures compared to other polymers.
Flexibility: It retains flexibility across a broad temperature range, making it suitable for various applications.
Noise Reduction and Vibration Dampening: Silicone can reduce high volume noises and vibrations, contributing to its use in applications like high-speed rail.
Precision Sealing: It serves as a precision sealing material, especially in harsh environments.
Thermal Insulation: Silicone provides thermal insulation, preventing unwanted heat transfer.

Silicone Engineering Products:

Silicone Engineering produces a range of silicone products, including:

Cellular silicone sheets and rolls
Solid silicone sheets and rolls
Fabric-reinforced sheets and rolls
Extruded cellular silicone
Extruded solid silicone

Silicone vs. EPDM:

While silicone can be used in more applications, EPDM has higher mechanical strength. Silicone has a wider temperature range and does not shrink during heating, unlike EPDM.

Cost of Silicone:

The cost of silicone is attributed to the challenges in harvesting, processing, and ensuring high-quality output. More detailed information on factors affecting the cost can be found in their guide.

Environmental Impact:

Silicone resists extreme environmental conditions, including hot, cold, wet, dry, and UV exposure. It is also resistant to ozone damage, ensuring longevity in various conditions.

Toxicity of Silicone:

Silicone is generally considered non-toxic, making it a preferred material for food and beverage processing applications. Special FDA-approved silicone is available for contact with food and drinking water.

Solid vs. Sponge Silicone:

Sponge silicone is created by introducing a blowing agent, forming tiny bubbles in the material. Both solid and sponge silicone exhibit similar temperature and environmental performance.

Temperature Range of Silicone:

Silicone remains effective in a constant temperature range of -60°C to +230°C, with some specially formulated grades capable of intermittent operation up to 300°C.

Submersion in Water:

Silicone is not adversely affected by prolonged submersion in either fresh or saltwater.

Colors Available:

Silicone can be pigmented into a wide range of colors, and custom color matching is possible. Special formulations, such as glow in the dark and temperature-sensitive pigments, are also available.

Prevention of Microorganism Growth:

Silicone naturally does not support microbiological growth. By incorporating special additives, silicone products like neutraSil™ can actively kill bacteria.

In conclusion, my in-depth knowledge of silicone engineering enables me to provide comprehensive insights into its composition, applications, and advantages. If you have any specific questions or need further clarification, feel free to ask.