Silicone rubber (SIR)
Elastomer
Silicone rubber is an elastomer (rubber-like material) composed of silicone, itself a polymer, together with carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen. Silicone rubbers are widely used in industry, and there are multiple formulations.
Silicone rubbers are often one- or two-part polymers, and may contain fillers to improve properties or reduce costs. Silicone rubber is generally non-reactive, stable, and resistant to extreme environments and temperatures from −55 °C to +300 °C / 131 °F to 572 °F, while still maintaining its useful properties. Due to these properties and its ease of manufacturing and shaping, silicone rubber can be found in a wide variety of products, including: automotive applications; cooking, baking, and food storage products; apparel such as undergarments, sportswear, and footwear; electronics; medical devices and implants; and in home repair and hardware, with products such as silicone sealants.
During manufacture heat may be required to vulcanize (set or cure) the silicone into its rubber-like form. This is normally carried out in a two-stage process at the point of manufacture into the desired shape, and then in a prolonged post-cure process. It can also be injection molded.