Silicone Rubber Parts Weatherproof and Wear Resistant

With Contributing Expertise From: Umberto Carchia

WEATHERPROOF AND WEAR RESISTANT – SEMI-CRYSTALLINE THERMOPLASTICS

Semi-crystalline thermoplastic polymers show more order than amorphous thermoplastics. The molecules align in a structured crystalline form. The size of the crystals or spherulites is much larger than the wavelength of visible light, making semi-crystalline materials translucent, rather than transparent. Crystalline regions are small with molecular chains comprised of both crystalline and amorphous regions. The degree of crystallinity in a typical thermoplastic will vary from grade to grade, as for example in polyethylene, where the degree of crystallinity depends on the branching and the cooling rate.

Silicone Rubber Parts Weatherproof and Wear Resistant

Because of the existence of both amorphous and crystalline regions, a semi-crystalline polymer has two distinct transition temperatures: the glass transition temperature, Tg, and the melting temperature, Tm. The dynamic shear modulus of a semi-crystalline thermoplastic shows these two distinct transitions. Above the melting temperature, the shear modulus is negligible and the material will flow. Crystalline arrangement begins to develop as the temperature decreases below the melting point. Between the melting and glass transition temperatures, the material behaves as a leathery solid, and in tensile testing it shows an increase in toughness in that range. Below the glass transition temperature, which is close to or below room temperature for many semi-crystalline thermoplastics, the material is brittle.

When compared to amorphous thermoplastics, semi-crystalline thermoplastics are softer, more ductile, and they are translucent or opaque rather than transparent, excellent for silicone rubber parts. Semi-crystalline thermoplastics also show a higher resistance to fatigue, wear, abrasion, and chemicals – this makes most of them ideal for tribological silicone rubber parts applications like gears. They are also well suited for silicone rubber parts applications like packaging for food contact. In addition, it works great for silicone rubber parts that need to be weatherproof components and devices.

SIMTEC Silicone Parts has ample experience manufacturing Two Shot solutions for food contact components, as well as parts that are exposed to extreme temperature changes and need to be weatherproof.

LEARN MORE

 

[1] Osswald, T. A.; Baur, E.; Brinkmann, S.; Oberbach, K.; Schmachtenberg, E.: International Plastics Handbook; 4th edition, Hanser Gardner Pubilcations, Cincinatti, 2006

[2] Ehrenstein, G. W.: Polymeric Materials: Structure, Properties, Applications; Hanser Gardner Publications, Cincinatti, 2001

[3] Campo, E. A.: Industrial Polymers; Hanser Gardner Publications, Cincinatti

At SIMTEC Silicone Parts, a leading company in manufacturing high precision parts and components, we are exclusively focused and specialized in the production of LSR and LSR/Thermoplastic (Two-Shot) components.

© SIMTEC Silicone Parts, LLC

The information provided herein is to the best of our knowledge and it is believed accurate and reliable as of the date compiled. No representation, warranty or guarantee expressed or implied, is made as to the accuracy, reliability or completeness of the information provided herein. It is the user’s responsibility to determine the suitability and completeness of such information for the intended use. We do not accept liability for any loss or damage that may occur from the use of this information. Nothing herein shall be construed as a recommendation for uses which infringe valid patents or as extending a license under valid patents.

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