Silicone Rubber: Temperature Resistance and Food Safety
Silicone rubber (VMQ), unlike other elastomers, is a material whose backbone is formed not by carbon but by a silicon-oxygen (siloxane) chain. It is precisely this unique molecular structure that gives silicone the ability to remain flexible at both very high and very low temperatures — a property absent in most synthetic rubbers.
Wide temperature range
Silicone's greatest advantage is its record-breaking temperature range. Standard silicone compounds retain their properties under the following conditions:
- Low temperature: it does not lose flexibility or harden down to -60 °C;
- High temperature: continuously +200 °C, and up to +230 °C in special compounds;
- Thermal shock: it is resistant to sudden temperature changes.
This range makes silicone functional in a wide variety of conditions, from cooling systems to heating furnaces.
Food safety and neutrality
Silicone's second important advantage is its chemical neutrality and harmlessness. Properly formulated silicone:
- Is odorless and tasteless and does not transfer its components into food on contact;
- Does not create conditions for bacterial growth and is easy to clean;
- Is resistant to sterilization and washing at high temperatures.
For this reason, silicone is widely used in food processing equipment, drinking water systems and medical applications.
Where is silicone used?
- Seals and profiles in food industry equipment;
- Door seals of ovens, stoves and heating equipment;
- Medical and laboratory tubing and stoppers;
- Insulation of lighting, LED and electronic components;
- Heat-resistant seals in automobiles and household appliances.
That said, silicone also has limitations: its mechanical tear and abrasion resistance is relatively low, and it is weak against petroleum-based oils. For an oily environment, NBR is more suitable, and if the abrasion load is high, polyurethane solutions are more appropriate. To evaluate the materials side by side, the comparison of EPDM, NBR and silicone will be useful.
The right compound and production
For silicone to be safe in food and medical applications, the composition of the compound and the extrusion process must be carried out under strict control. NUR KAUÇUK LLC produces silicone profiles and seals according to customer requirements, and standard cross-sections can be seen in our ready catalog.
In conclusion, silicone rubber is the optimal choice where a wide temperature range, food safety and a long service life are required.
We can meet your silicone seal and profile needs. Take a look at our products and contact us to place an order.