Silicone gaskets and pads are available in open cell foams, closed cell sponges, a variety of durometer solids, and is easily molded in a multitude of colors. There are high tear strength silicones, strengthened silicones, electrically conductive silicones, and thermally conductive silicones.

There are silicone foams that are UL94-V0 rated that is generally required in the transit and electronic sectors. It performs well in compression set tests, and silicone is usually naturally UV resistant which makes it perfect for various outdoor applications.

The performance of silicone products

Extreme temperature resistance, stableness with extreme environmental and chemical stress, and durability are a few of the reasons silicone benefits aviation and aerospace. Silicone rubber sealants are presently used to fasten interior and exterior doors, windows and paneling. Fluid resistance makes silicone products ideal for fuel control diaphragms, hydraulic pipes and cable clamp blocks. Silicone rubber keypads are still used in computers on earth and in space.

Silicone products demand in the US will grow 4.7 percent every year through 2010, driven by performance and environmental advantages over acrylic resin, polyurethane, and rubber. Silicone fluids have, and will continue to have the highest requirements. Need for silicone gels will grow faster based upon renewed growth in the electronics sector.

Silicone gels are important to the electronics sector, where highly specialized applications call for greater requirements on the sealing materials. Silicone rubber is used to insulate, seal and protect circuits, engine gaskets, control unit gaskets, electronic encapsulation, and particular elements for decoupling noise.