New silicones for orthopaedic, encapsulant and reactive material applications

ERJ staff report (RPN)

Detroit, Michigan – Rubber & Plastics News has reported launches of new silicone materials by three manufactuers.

Wacker Chemie A.G. has released Silpuran 2410 A/B, a silicone rubber of variable hardness for orthopaedic and prosthetic applications. The new silicone can be made harder or softer by varying the ratio of its two components.

Mixed at a 1:1 ratio, the elastomer has a Shore 00 hardness value of 50, but can be flexed to regulate the hardness during processing. With a low viscosity, Silpuran 2410 A/B is pourable and can be used in manual and semi-automated processes.

Curing at elevated temperatures, the finished product is a highly elastic, translucent elastomer that is breathable, making it ideal for elastic orthopaedic products such as shoe insoles and heel cushions, according to the firm. For more information, visit Wacker's website.

NuSil Technology L.L.C. has developed two new silicone products, one an encapsulant and the other a potting compound.

LS2-6140 offers a low-viscosity, clear silicone that offers a strong adhesion to ceramic and plastics used in electronics, according to the firm. A 45 type A durometer and refractive index of 1.40 makes the silicone useable in high power and UV LED applications.

R-2175 is a pourable silicone potting compound that provides support for electronic packages such as power supplies, sensors and AC/DC and DC/DC high-efficiency converters.

For more information, visit NuSil's website.

Gelest Inc. has extended its line of reactive silicone fluids and materials.

Gelest said it added silicone mac-romers, including monofunctional and heterofunctional monodisperse reactive fluids.

Gelest's broad range of reactive silicone fluids and materials are used in a wide range of applications, including adhesives, binders, sealants, ceramic and dielectric coatings, encapsulants, gels, membranes, optical coatings, photolithography and polymer synthesis.

For a copy of Gelest's updated brochure, “Reactive Silicones: Forging New Polymer Links,” contact Gabrielle Lockwood at +1 215-547-1015.