Organosilicon elastomers: from basic properties to cutting-edge applications
1、 Basic performance: resistance to extreme environments and biocompatibility
Organosilicon elastomers are polymer materials with Si-O-Si as the main chain and organic groups connected by side chains. Their core performance advantages stem from their unique chemical structure


Temperature resistance: It can be used for a long time in the range of -50 ℃ to 250 ℃. The PMFS composite elastomer developed by Shandong University even has a mechanical strength decrease of only 27.04% under 300KGy gamma ray irradiation, making it suitable for extreme environments.
Chemical stability: acid and alkali resistant, ozone resistant, UV resistant, and can be exposed to space radiation environment for a long time in the aerospace field.
Biological inertness: Certified for ISO 10993 biocompatibility, it can be used for implantable medical devices such as artificial joints, heart valves, etc.
Physical properties: The tensile strength reaches 4.0-12.5MPa, with a maximum elongation of 1120%, combining flexibility and tear resistance.
2、 Material classification: Vulcanization process and performance adaptation
According to the vulcanization temperature and process, organic silicone elastomers are divided into three categories:


Types, vulcanization methods, characteristics, application scenarios
High temperature rubber mixing, heating and vulcanization, high mechanical strength, good wear resistance, automotive tires, seals, industrial rollers
Liquid silicone rubber with platinum catalyzed addition crosslinking has excellent fluidity, can be injection molded, and has high production efficiency for baby pacifiers, medical catheters, and electronic buttons
Room temperature vulcanized silicone rubber condensation type/addition type single component curing depends on humidity, and two-component reaction is initiated by catalyst; Deep vulcanization, low shrinkage, building sealant, electronic potting, mold manufacturing


Breakthrough in cutting-edge technology:


UV cured 3D printing: Nanjing University has developed 3D printing materials containing dynamic chemical bonds, which can maintain over 80% of organic silicon components and break through traditional molding limitations.
Reaction coordinate controlled bonding: Rice University quantified the curing progress through mathematical models and bonded within the reaction coordinate window of 0.4-0.6, increasing the interlayer strength of 3D printed silicone structures by 200% while maintaining flexibility (elongation at break>800%).
3、 Frontier application: cross industry technology integration
medical field
Self repairing conductive elastomer: The team from Qingdao University of Science and Technology drew inspiration from the structure of mussel foot fibers to develop PDMS/AgNPs composite materials, achieving a room temperature self-healing efficiency of 91.2%, while also possessing antibacterial and strain sensing properties, which can be used in wearable medical devices.
Dynamic cross-linked network: By reversible interactions of hydrogen bonds and metal ligand bonds, elastomers that can self repair without external stimulation are prepared, with an efficiency of 91.7%, suitable for motion monitoring and soft robots.
Electronics and Energy
Semiconductor packaging: Semiconductors sealed with silicone rubber can withstand the high temperature environment of industrial motors and locomotive high-voltage switches, while meeting the high-frequency communication needs of mobile phone base stations and satellite radars.
New energy vehicles: Organic silicone elastomer shock absorbers reduce vibration noise and improve ride comfort; Rubber pads and sealing rings ensure the waterproof and dustproof performance of the battery pack and motor system.
aerospace
Extreme environmental adaptation: Fluorosilicone elastomers are used in aircraft fuel control diaphragms and hydraulic pipelines, capable of withstanding temperature changes from -55 ℃ to 200 ℃, while also resisting corrosion from aviation fuel.
Lightweight structure: the density of silicone foam material is as low as 0.2g/cm ³, which has both thermal insulation and energy absorption properties, and is used for the thermal protection system of spacecraft.
Consumption and Daily Chemicals
Cosmetic additives: silicone elastomer gel endows the product with silky touch and long-term oil control characteristics. The global market scale will reach 215.36 million yuan in 2023, and is expected to increase to 276.14 million yuan in 2029, with a compound annual growth rate of 4.23%.
Kitchen appliance coating: Organic silicon insulation pad can withstand heat up to 250 ℃, is stain resistant and easy to clean, and reduces the risk of bacterial contamination by 60% compared to wooden/cloth accessories.
4、 Future Trends: Intelligence and Sustainability
Intelligent response material:
Develop photochromic and temperature sensitive organic silicone elastomers for dynamic camouflage or thermal management scenarios.
Utilizing shape memory effect to achieve self deployment of solar panels or deformable aviation structures.
Green manufacturing:
Promote water-based silicone rubber and solvent-free formulations to reduce VOC emissions.
Recycling waste silicone rubber through cracking and re polymerization technology to prepare recycled materials, reducing resource consumption.
Biobased substitution:
Replacing traditional quartz sand with biomass silicon sources (such as rice husk ash) to reduce carbon emissions.
Develop biodegradable silicone elastomers that naturally decompose after meeting the short-term use needs of medical implants.