Page 198 - CW E-Magazine (10-12-2024)

Special Report

How liquid silicone rubber revolutionizes consumer

goods & wearable tech

iquid Silicone Rubber (LSR) found in kitchen utensils, baby bottle POOJA GAWAI
has become an essential mate- nipples, and even wearable technology Persistence Market Research
Lrial in various industries, from products, thanks to its fl exibility, dura- E-mail: pooja@persistencemarketresearch.com
automotive to medical devices. Known bility, and non-toxic nature. The abi-
for its versatility, durability, and bio- lity of LSR to be moulded into intricate Therefore, while all LSRs are liquid
compatibility, LSR is used in many shapes further adds to its widespread rubber, not all liquid rubbers are LSRs.
applications. use in various industries.
What is liquid silicone vs silicone?
What is LSR used for? Is liquid rubber the same as Liquid silicone and silicone are two
LSR is a versatile material that has silicone? forms of the same material, but they
found applications across several indus- While liquid rubber and silicone differ signifi cantly in terms of their
tries due to its unique properties. It is may seem similar, they are not exactly properties and uses.
primarily used for manufacturing high- the same. The term “liquid rubber” is
performance, durable products that can often used as a general reference to a Typically, when people refer to sili-
withstand extreme temperatures, pres- type of rubber-like material in liquid cone, they are talking about the solid or
sures, and environmental conditions. form, which can include various poly- rubbery material made from a polymer
mers. Silicone rubber is a specifi c type compound of silicon. Silicone materials
LSR is most commonly used in the of rubber that’s made from silicon, are generally solid at room temperature
automotive industry, where it serves as oxygen, carbon, and hydrogen, and it is and are used for a variety of applica-
seals, gaskets, and hoses that require known for its excellent heat resistance tions including kitchenware, medical
resistance to high temperatures and and fl exibility. devices, and electrical insulation. These
chemicals. In the medical sector, it is materials are known for their elasticity,
used for making components like cathe- LSR is a specifi c type of silicone heat resistance, and durability.
ters, syringes, and surgical devices, that is used in a liquid form during the
owing to its biocompatibility and ease moulding process. It is typically used LSR is the liquid form of silicone.
of sterilization. for injection moulding, allowing manu- It is often used in moulding applica-
facturers to create detailed, high-preci- tions, as it can be injected into moulds
In addition to medical and auto- sion parts. On the other hand, liquid to create intricate, fl exible, and precise
motive applications, LSR is also utilized rubber could refer to various types of parts. Unlike its solid counterpart, LSR
in the consumer goods market. It is rubbers, not necessarily silicone-based. is used in a more fl uid state before it
cures and hardens into its fl exible fi nal
form. LSR has high transparency,
excellent weather resistance, and can
be made into complex shapes with tight
tolerances.

One of the key differences between
the two is that LSR is primarily used in
injection moulding, where it is injected
into moulds to form specifi c shapes,
while solid silicone is more commonly
used in products that do not require
complex moulding processes.

How to liquefy silicone rubber?
Liquifying silicone rubber is a cru-
cial step in its manufacturing process,

198 Chemical Weekly December 10, 2024

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