What is the LSR(liquid silicone rubber ) Material?

LSR is an inorganic polymer formed by silicon (Si), oxygen (O), carbon (C) and hydrogen (H). The main chemical chain called the backbone, is formed by silicon and oxygen, called siloxane. To achieve its final characteristics, catalysts are added during the curing process creating a chemical bond between the backbones called crosslinks. Platinum and peroxide are two chemicals used in this curing process, LSR is a platinum-cured silicone rubber. Platinum-cured silicone rubbers offer benefits over peroxide-cured silicone rubbers including improved tensile strength and tear strength, clarity and consistency, and do not leave behind peroxide residue.

LSR’s versatile properties come from its siloxane bond. The chain offers an inorganic backbone that does not interact with biological materials and can be combined with organic chemical groups. The siloxane bond also helps deliver better mechanical performance and strength.

LSR for Multiple Applications

The inorganic nature of LSR makes it ideal for medical and skin-contact applications, while its ability to combine with other chemical groups allows it to achieve robust performance. For instance, its rebound resilience known as compression set, is the ability to transfer energy after a force is applied and return to its original shape after compression. LSR outperforms many other elastomers and is used in pushbuttons or keyboard applications, and is preferred for pumping applications, especially if in contact with bodily fluids or chemical substances.

Injection molding liquid silicone rubber is a specialized process however because of its viscous nature, it processes easily and is perfectly suited for high-volume production, consistent part quality, and improved productivity. Because of its properties and processability, liquid silicone rubber has become the ideal material for intricate part design features, and demanding, critical use applications.

LSR properties:

• Biocompatibility: Under extensive testing, liquid silicone rubber has demonstrated superior compatibility with human tissue and body fluids and is hypoallergenic, making it a good choice for skin-contact products. In comparison to other elastomers, liquid silicone rubber is resistant to bacteria growth and will not stain or corrode other materials.
• Tasteless and odorless: LSR is tasteless and odorless and can be formulated to comply with stringent FDA standards required for food and beverage and baby products.
• Durable: Liquid silicone rubber parts can withstand harsh conditions,  making LSR an ideal choice for batteries and electrical and other components used in automobiles under the hood, and in outdoor applications with exposure to environmental elements.
• Chemical resistance: Liquid silicone rubber resists water, oxidation, and some chemical solutions such as acids and alkali. The material can be used in products that are subjected to cleaning solutions, and that require sterilization using a variety of methods, including steam autoclaving, ethylene oxide (ETO), gamma, e-beam, and numerous other techniques used for medical and healthcare products.
• Temperature endurance: Compared to other elastomers, molded silicone can withstand a wide range of high to low-temperature extremes. LSR will maintain its properties in extreme temperatures ranging from minus 60 degrees Celsius to 180 degrees Celsius. LSR can be found in applications such as dishwashers, showerheads, faucets, and hot water heaters  that face a range of hot and cold temperatures.
• Mechanical properties: Liquid silicone rubber has good elongation, high tear and tensile strength, excellent flexibility, and a hardness range most commonly between 5 to 80 Shore A. LSR is perfectly suited for seal applications and products requiring thin membranes used to detect the slightest change in air, gas or fluid flow.
• Electrical properties: Liquid silicone rubber also has excellent insulating properties, beneficial for a host of electrical applications, including rapid growth in EV battery applications. Compared to conventional insulating materials, silicone can perform in far higher and lower temperatures.
• Transparency and pigmentation: Liquid silicone rubber is inherently translucent. Its natural color is white and conducive to pigmentation for producing custom, molded products in a variety of colors.
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