What is LSR (Elastosil®)?

Liquid Silicon Rubber (LSR) is similar to Silicones (VMQ) from the group of elastomers made of silicon, oxygen, hydrogen and carbon. The characteristics of silicone compounds (VMQ) are the extreme temperature range, very plastic behavior, very good resistance to excessive stretching, and low temperature flexibility. Liquid Silicone Rubber is suitable for an injection process in which the silicone water-thinned is injected into the mold that has been specially manufactured for this process. Silicone Gietrrubber is especially chosen when it comes to large to very large production volumes. The molds are designed differently and are structurally similar to those in the manufacture of plastics. This deviant production process for large numbers therefore requires a considerable investment in molds.

The end product is again comparable to the standard production method. The profit is achieved in the production of fibrous and non-fleece, with which this part of the post-processing of traditional VMQ materials is completely canceled. There is also hardly any loss of raw materials as a result of waste material that is hardly formed in this particular production method. A strong profit point both economically and ecologically.

As a group within the elastomers VQM has a poor tensile strength, poor tear resistance and poor wear resistance. Special types have been developed for the exceptional resistance to heat and pressure changes. The available types that have high strength are not comparable with the values of conventional rubber. In general, silicone has excellent resistance to extreme temperatures from -50 ° C to + 232 ° C (-58 ° F to + 450 ° F). Special VMQ types are even suitable for higher system temperatures up to 275 ° C with short-term light above 300 ° C. The preservation of silicone properties at high temperatures is superior to most other elastic materials.

VMQ connections have a relatively low tear strength and high coefficient of friction so that they are only recommended for static sealing applications. If post-treated, silicone does not give off odor or taste and is also very clean, making it particularly suitable for many food and medical applications.

VMQ is resistant to hot air, ozone, UV radiation, engine and transmission oils, animal and vegetable fats and oils and some brake fluids. VMQ has a moderate resistance to mineral oils. Silicones can be specially formulated to be electrically resistant, conductive or flame retardant. Many silicones have a higher than normal shrinkage during the vulcanization process, so that molds for silicone products often differ from molds for other elastomers.