Gel Elastomers

Gel elastomers are highly viscoelastic polymer gels that have excellent shock absorption and damping characteristics. They are available in a variety of material types and grades. Examples include thermoplastics, thermoset plastics, resins, binders, base polymers, monomers, composite materials, and silicone compounds. Some materials are supplied as semi-finished forms such as bars, sheets, films, plates, and profiles. Others are supplied as fabricated shapes. Products with circular, square, rectangular, angular, or hexagonal cross-sections are formed through processes such as molding, casting, extrusion, pultrusion, machining, thermal forming, plastic welding, rapid prototyping, and grinding. Most gel elastomers contain a solvent additive that is either a volatile organic compound (VOC) or a water-based or water-borne adhesive resin.  

Selecting gel elastomers requires an analysis of mechanical, electrical, and thermal properties. Mechanical properties include tensile strength, tensile modulus, and elongation. Resistivity, dielectric strength, and dielectric constant are important electrical properties. Thermal properties include use temperature, deflection temperature, thermal conductivity, and coefficient of thermal expansion. Use temperature is the range of temperatures to which materials can be exposed without degradation of structural or other required end-use properties. Thermal conductivity is the linear heat transfer per unit area through a material for a given applied temperature gradient. The coefficient of linear expansion (CTE) is the amount of linear expansion or shrinkage that occurs in a material without a change in temperature. 

Gel elastomers are available with a variety of features. Electrically conductive products provide low resistivity and are used to prevent electrostatic discharge (ESD), electromagnetic interference (EMI), and radio frequency interference (RFI). They are also used in thick film metallization and to provide electrical interconnections. Thermally conductive products are applied between a heat-generating electrical device and a heat sink in order to improve heat dissipation. Products that use a phase change are commonly available. Dielectric compounds are designed to form a barrier or isolator between electrical or electronic components. Flame retardant materials resist ignition or reduce the spread of flames when exposed to high temperatures. Some gel elastomers contain VOCs to thin or otherwise alter viscosity. Others contain fillers, pigments, or chopped fiber reinforcements.   

Gel elastomers are used in many industries and applications. Some products are used in aerospace, automotive, marine, military, optoelectronic, or tooling applications. Others are designed for use with semiconductors, integrated circuit (IC) packages, electrical power products, and high voltage applications. For example, gel elastomers are often used with motor assemblies, transformers, circuit breakers, and generators. Products that are suitable for medical, pharmaceutical, and food processing applications meet requirements established by agencies such as the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). Original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and repair, maintenance and overhaul (MRO) organizations also use gel elastomers.

• Room Temperature Vulcanizing (RTV) Silicone
  Room temperature vulcanizing (RTV) silicone is constructed of reactive oil base polymers combined with strengthening mineral fillers. There are two types of Room temperature vulcanizing silicone: •...
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