A Complete Guide to High Tear Strength Silicone Rubber
What is High Tear Strength Silicone Rubber?
High tear strength silicone rubber is a specialised form of silicone rubber designed to withstand significant mechanical stress without tearing. It exhibits exceptional resistance to tearing, cutting or puncturing so is ideal for applications where durability under mechanical stress is important. This type of silicone maintains its strength and flexibility even when subjected to demanding conditions, such as repetitive motion or stretching.
Similar to other silicone rubbers, high tear strength silicone is composed of silicon-oxygen polymer chains. These chains are cross-linked with reinforcing fillers to enhance mechanical properties, particularly tear resistance. This material also retains the inherent benefits of silicone, such as thermal stability and environmental durability, while addressing the specific need for enhanced mechanical robustness.
Appearance
Initially translucent but can be pigmented to any RAL colour.
Tear Strength
Resistance
to tearing between 39N/mm and 45N/mm.
Density
Formulated
for a density of around 1.15 g/cm3.
Hardness
Available
between 52ᵒ Shore A and 72ᵒ Shore A.
Tensile Strength
Tensile
strength between 10.0g/cm3 and 11.0g/cm3.
Elongation at Break
Flexibility
between 570% and 660% without breaking.
Temperature Range
Operates
effectively between 55°C and 180°C.
Rebound Resilience
Recovery
from deformation between 46% and 48%.
This article provides a detailed explanation of how high tear strength silicone is formulated, benefits over general purpose silicone and common applications within the industry.
How is High Tear Strength Silicone Rubber Made?
The production process of high tear strength silicone rubber starts with the synthesis of silicon-based raw materials. Silica sand is refined to produce silicon, which is reacted with hydrocarbons to form chlorosilanes. These are hydrolysed to create silanols, which are subsequently polymerised into polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS). The PDMS forms the base material for silicone rubber.
To achieve high tear strength, the base silicone material is modified with reinforcing fillers, such as fumed silica or other nanoscale additives, which improve its mechanical integrity. These fillers create a tighter polymer matrix, reducing the likelihood of tears or punctures. Additionally, specialised curing agents are used during the vulcanisation process. These agents promote strong cross-linking within the silicone structure which helps enhance the tear resistance.
During curing, the material is subjected to heat or other activation processes that solidify the rubber into its final form. When required, we can further optimise the formulation with additional additives to tailor the materials properties for specific applications, such as improved flexibility, abrasion resistance or thermal stability. The final product undergoes rigorous testing to ensure compliance with industry standards for tear strength and durability.
Advantages of High Tear Strength Silicone Rubber
High tear strength silicone offers several advantages that make it an essential material for demanding applications. Its tear resistance is the standout feature. This enables the material to endure high levels of mechanical stress without failure. This property is especially important in applications involving dynamic loads, stretching or sharp edges.
In addition to tear resistance, this material maintains the general benefits of silicone rubber. It is highly resistant to temperature extremes which enable it to perform reliably in both hot and cold environments. Its chemical resistance makes it suitable for use in applications involving oils, solvents and harsh chemicals. The materials ability to withstand UV radiation, ozone and weathering also ensures long-term performance in outdoor or harsh environmental conditions.
High tear strength rubber is also flexible and elastic, which allows it to return to its original shape after deformation. This resilience, combined with its durability, makes it a cost-effective solution for applications where longevity is critical. It can also be customised in terms of hardness, colour and form.
Common Applications and Uses
High tear strength silicone rubber is used across a variety of industries where mechanical durability is considered an important factor in maintaining a reliable watertight seal. Its versatility and reliability make it a preferred material for many different applications.
Industries
Automotive
In the automotive industry, high tear strength silicone is commonly employed in gaskets, seals and bellows that must endure repetitive motion, high pressures and potential exposure to oils and engine heat. These components benefit from the materials mechanical robustness and thermal stability to ensure reliable performance over extended periods.
Medical, Pharmaceutical & Healthcare
The medical field relies on high tear strength silicone for applications such as surgical tubing, seals in equipment and membranes. These components require both mechanical durability and compliance with strict safety standards. High tear strength siliconess non-toxic and biocompatible properties make it ideal for medical-grade products, while its ability to withstand sterilisation processes ensures long-term usability.
Industrial
In industrial applications, high tear strength silicone rubber is used in protective covers, conveyor belts and sealing systems that face continuous mechanical stress. Its tear resistance and ability to maintain performance in harsh chemical or thermal environments make it a reliable choice for demanding industrial processes. This material also finds use in heavy-duty vibration dampers and shock absorbers.
Material Compound Datasheets
High tear strength silicone can be extruded in a range of different hardnesses, each suitable for different applications. The properties and characteristics of these hardnesses may differ. Please see the downloadable PDF material compound datasheets for this information.
Looking for a different grade of Silicone?
In addition to high tear strength Silicone, we are also able to manufacture rubber sealing products in a selection of other Silicone compounds. This includes general purpose silicone, metal detectable silicone, high temperature silicone and flame retardant silicone.
Contact Us
With over 50 years' experience in the rubber sealing industry, our team has extensive experience in finding sealing solutions for our customers. Contact our experts via phone or email for sealing advice or bespoke quotations.
Email:
sales@sealsplusdirect.co.uk
Telephone:
01425 617722