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Technical textiles are manufactured primarily for their technical
performance and functional properties. Function is more important than form.
Durability is more important than tactile effect.
Silicone rubber coatings can be used to add valuable performance and
functional properties to technical textiles, engineered fabrics and industrial
textiles.
Silicone rubber is a unique synthetic elastomer made from a crosslinked
polymer that is reinforced with silica. Its characteristics are such that it
provides the perfect balance of mechanical and chemical properties required by
many of today’s most demanding industrial applications.
For basic information about silicones, consult our Textiles Silicon
Chemistry Tutorial.
Silicone rubber coating features and benefits
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Water resistant
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Chemical resistant
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Good release properties
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Good adhesion
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Wide operating temperature range (-50°C to +300°C possible)
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Resistant to weathering and UV rays
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Food contact applications possible (FDA, BGA)
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Some skin-contact applications possible
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Can be flame resistant
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Ease of processing
Compared to organic coatings, silicone elastomeric coatings
offer:
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Superior cold resistance (specialty silicone rubber grades can perform at
temperatures as low as -85°C)
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Better retention of tensile and elongation properties after heat aging
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Relatively high surface friction (useful for some applications such as
conveyor belts)
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Easy to process (many silicone coating systems are 100 percent solids)
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Less chance of worker sensitization after repeated handling, especially
compared to acrylics and urethanes
Silicone elastomeric coating types
Silicone elastomeric coating cure chemistries
How to Apply and Cure Silicone Elastomeric Coatings
Typical coating methods include:
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Dip/immersion coating
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Kiss coating (lick roll)
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Knife coating (over air, roll or rubber sleeve)
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Rotogravure coating
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Extrusion
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Spraying
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Other methods such as bar coating or rotary screen printing
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