Shin-Etsu develops recyclable thermoplastic silicone

Tokyo – Shin-Etsu Chemical Co. has developed a recyclable thermoplastic silicone with a level of recyclability “previously difficult to realise with conventional silicone rubber.”

In a 7 Nov statement, the Japanese supplier explained that conventional silicones are classified as ‘thermosetting plastics’, which harden or ‘crosslink’ when heated, a feature that makes them difficult to recycle.

Leveraging its polymer modification technology, Shin-Etsu said it has now developed a thermoplastic silicone that is recyclable due to its thermoplastic nature.

The silicone rubber also has high hardness (Shore A 80 or higher) combined with high elongation (elongation at break: 800% or higher), unlike conventional silicone rubber.

In addition, the material offers “excellent transparency and ease of colouring”, which Shin-Etsu said was due to the absence of inorganic powders such as silica.

The solvent-based formulation has “excellent processability”, allowing injection moulding as well as coating applications.

Shin-Etsu said the thermoplastic silicone can provide products tailored to diverse customer needs, ranging from rubber-like elastic materials to plastic-like rigid materials.

Furthermore, new applications that were not possible with conventional silicone rubber are now possible.

These, Shin-Etsu said, include rubber components for areas that come into contact with skin in mobile devices and sports equipment as well as surface coatings for devices used in medical and nursing care.