Silicone gasket: a model of high-performance sealing materials

As a high-performance sealing material, silicone gaskets are widely used in various industrial and mechanical equipment. They are favored for their excellent heat resistance, cold resistance, chemical corrosion resistance and excellent elasticity. This article will introduce the functions, material characteristics, application fields and selection points of silicone gaskets in detail to help readers better understand and use this important sealing element.

1. Functions of silicone gaskets

The main functions of silicone gaskets include:

Sealing effect: At the connection, silicone gaskets can fill the tiny gaps between joints, provide reliable sealing, and prevent leakage of gas, liquid or other media.

Temperature resistance: Silicone gaskets can maintain good performance in a wide temperature range and are suitable for high and low temperature environments.

Chemical corrosion resistance: Silicone has good corrosion resistance to most chemicals and is suitable for various corrosive media.

Anti-aging: Silicone has good anti-aging performance, long service life, and can maintain a stable sealing effect for a long time.

Elasticity and resilience: Silicone has excellent elasticity and resilience, can adapt to the size changes of the connection parts, and provide continuous sealing pressure.

2. Material properties of silicone gaskets

Chemical composition: Silicone gaskets are mainly composed of siloxane polymers (polysiloxanes), which form a stable network structure through cross-linking reactions.

Temperature range: Silicone gaskets can maintain good performance in the temperature range of -60°C to 230°C, and some specially formulated silicones can even be used at higher or lower temperatures.

Chemical resistance: Silicone has good corrosion resistance to most chemicals (such as acids, alkalis, solvents, etc.) and is suitable for various corrosive media.

Physical properties:

Density: Usually between 1.16 g/cm³ and 1.92 g/cm³.

Hardness: Silicone gaskets of different hardness can be selected as needed, and the common hardness range is 20 Shore A to 80 Shore A.

Compression permanent deformation: Silicone has low compression permanent deformation and can recover its original shape under long-term compression.

Biocompatibility: Silicone has good biocompatibility, meets the hygiene standards of the food and medical industries, and is widely used in food and medical equipment.

3. Application fields of silicone gaskets

Silicone gaskets are widely used in various industries, including:

Automotive industry: In automobile engines, exhaust systems, brake systems and air conditioning systems, silicone gaskets are used to seal connection parts to prevent leakage of oil, gas and coolant.

Home appliance industry: In washing machines, refrigerators, air conditioners and other home appliances, silicone gaskets are used to prevent leakage of water and cold air to ensure the normal operation of the equipment.

Chemical industry: In chemical production equipment, silicone gaskets are used to seal high temperature and corrosive media to ensure the safe and reliable operation of the system.

Food and pharmaceutical industry: In the production process of food and pharmaceuticals, silicone gaskets must comply with relevant hygiene and safety standards to prevent product contamination.

Aerospace: In high-demand systems such as aircraft and rockets, silicone gaskets must be able to withstand extreme temperature and pressure environments and provide reliable sealing performance.

Electronic products: In electronic products, silicone gaskets are used to seal connectors, junction boxes and other components to prevent moisture and dust from entering and protect electronic components.

4. Key points for selecting silicone gaskets

When selecting silicone gaskets, the following aspects should be considered:

Working medium: According to the type of media in contact, select silicone materials that can resist chemical erosion, such as oil resistance, acid and alkali resistance, etc.

Working temperature: Select silicone materials that can maintain stable performance within the operating temperature range of the system to ensure good sealing performance at extreme temperatures.

Size and shape: According to the size and structure of the connection part, select the appropriate shape and size of the silicone gasket to ensure easy installation and sealing effect.

Hardness and elasticity: According to the specific requirements of the connection part, select silicone gaskets with appropriate hardness and elasticity to ensure sealing effect and compression resistance.

Biocompatibility and hygiene standards: For the food and medical industries, select silicone gaskets that meet relevant hygiene and safety standards.

Cost and life: Consider the initial cost, replacement frequency and service life of the silicone gasket comprehensively, and select products with high cost performance.

Conclusion:

As a high-performance sealing material, silicone gaskets are widely used in various industries due to their excellent temperature resistance, chemical corrosion resistance and excellent elasticity. Understanding its functions, material properties, application areas and selection points will help optimize system design and improve the operating efficiency and safety of equipment. With the advancement of material science and manufacturing technology, the performance and application of silicone gaskets will continue to improve to meet more complex and demanding usage requirements.

[DLSEALS kindly Reminder] Sealing issues? Turn to DLSEALS! As a sealing component manufacturer, we specialize in customizing sealing components, providing a full range of services from design, research and development, production, testing, and more. If you have more information you'd like to know, feel free to contact us directly. DLSEALS's product experts are dedicated to serving you!