Materials database

Two-component platinum-catalyzed liquid silicone rubber processed by injection molding. Cures at 120–200°C in seconds (fast cycles). Outstanding temperature range -55°C to +200°C (intermittent 300°C). Biocompatible (USP Class VI, ISO 10993), optically clear grades available, excellent electrical insulation. Shore hardness 10A to 70A. Trade names: Silopren (Momentive), Elastosil (Wacker), Silastic (Dow). Used for baby bottle nipples, medical device seals, automotive gaskets, LED optics, baking molds, wearable devices and overmolded electronics.

Silicone rubber (VMQ = Vinyl Methyl Polysiloxane) — THE extreme-temperature elastomer. Usable from -60°C to +230°C continuous (short-term +300°C). Excellent UV/ozone/weathering resistance. Biocompatible (FDA, USP Class VI). Low compression set. Electrically insulating. Lower tensile/tear strength than organic rubbers. Used for seals/gaskets, medical tubing/implants, food-grade components, baby products, automotive ignition boots, and LED/lighting encapsulation.

Styrene-ethylene-butylene-styrene (SEBS) based thermoplastic elastomer — the largest and most versatile TPE family. Hardness adjustable from Shore 0A to 100A through compounding with PP, oil, and fillers. Excellent UV/ozone/aging resistance (superior to SBS). Soft, comfortable touch. Non-toxic, meets EN 71 + REACH + FDA. Bonds well to PP and PE in 2K injection molding. Used for soft-touch grips, seals, gaskets, overmolded handles, baby products, medical tubing, cable jacketing, and shoe soles. Not oil-resistant.

Dynamically vulcanized thermoplastic elastomer — crosslinked EPDM rubber particles dispersed in a PP matrix. Combines the elastic recovery of vulcanized rubber with the processability of thermoplastics (injection moldable, extrudable, recyclable). Shore hardness range 40A to 50D. Compression set resistance far superior to TPE-S (SBS/SEBS). Trade names: Santoprene (Celanese), Sarlink (Teknor Apex), Forprene (So.F.Ter). Used for automotive seals/weatherstrips, wire & cable jacketing, industrial hoses, consumer grips and overmolded soft-touch components. Service temp -40°C to +135°C.

Thermoplastic polyurethane elastomer — bridges the gap between rubber and rigid plastics. Exceptional abrasion resistance, high elongation (300-700%), and good oil/grease resistance. Available in wide hardness range (60 Shore A to 74 Shore D). Ester-based: better oil resistance. Ether-based: better hydrolysis/microbial resistance. Major trade names: Elastollan (BASF), Desmopan/Texin (Covestro), Estane (Lubrizol). Used for seals, hoses, cable jackets, shoe soles, phone cases, wheels/rollers, and 3D printing filament.